Basketball Recap: Clara Whaley's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Payson over Eatonville

If Payson was riding high fresh off their 71-7 takedown of Highland Prep West on Saturday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Payson Longhorns took a 33-29 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Eatonville Cruisers.

Payson's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Clara Whaley, who posted nine points and three steals. Whaley is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed three or more in the last six games she's played. Another player making a difference was Kyndall Hatch, who earned six points and 11 rebounds.

Payson's defeat dropped their record down to 13-4. As for Eatonville, the win (which was their fourth in a row) raised their record to 5-1.

Payson will venture away from home to challenge San Tan Foothills at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Payson's defense has only allowed 28.4 points per game this season, so San Tan Foothills' offense will have their work cut out for them. As for Eatonville, they will square off against Fife at 5:15 p.m. on Friday.