Basketball Game Preview: Grant Lancers vs. Verdugo Hills Dons

By Team Reports Jan 22, 2024, 5:03am

Preview: Grant Lancers vs. Verdugo Hills Dons

The Grant Lancers and the Verdugo Hills Dons will face off at 5:30 p.m. on January 22nd without much rest after finishing up games yesterday. Given that the pair suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

Last Saturday, things could have been worse for Grant, but they could have been a whole lot better as they took a 48-33 loss to West Ranch. While losing is never fun, Grant can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 807th, while West Ranch is ranked 398th).

Meanwhile, Verdugo Hills unfortunately witnessed the end of their four-game winning streak on Friday. They wound up with the same score they had in their last game (62-35), but sadly the team found themselves on the wrong side of the score this time. The contest was a 18-18 toss-up at halftime, but they was outscored by Trinity Classical Academy in the second.

Despite the loss, Verdugo Hills saw an underclassman step up: Amiyya Castanos scored 14 points along with seven steals. Castanos hasn't dropped below two steals for four straight games. Rayleen Castanos was another key contributor, scoring no points along with seven rebounds and five assists.

Grant has not been sharp recently, as they've lost four of their last five contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 8-10 record this season. As for Verdugo Hills, their defeat dropped their record down to 12-10.

Grant took a serious blow against Verdugo Hills in their previous meeting on Thursday, falling 62-35. Will Grant have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get analysis of the match and other basketball content.