Basketball Recap: Aran Padmalingam's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Fort Wayne Canterbury over Prairie Heights

Fort Wayne Canterbury suffered their closest loss since December 14, 2024 on Tuesday. They fell just short of the Prairie Heights Panthers by a score of 49-46. The Cavaliers were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Panthers apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in February of 2024.

Aran Padmalingam

Points (Career)

02/11/25 @ Prairie Heights	19
11/27/24 @ Central Noble	16
02/01/25 @ Hamilton	12
02/10/24 @ Smith Academy	11
12/14/24 vs Adams Central	10

Fort Wayne Canterbury's loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Aran Padmalingam, who went 7 for 14 en route to 19 points and five boards. The dominant performance gave Padmalingam a new career-high in points. Reed Hayes was another key player, almost dropping a double-double with nine points and ten rebounds.

Even though they lost, Fort Wayne Canterbury smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in three consecutive contests.

Fort Wayne Canterbury has traveled a rocky road recently having lost three of their last four matches, which has put a noticeable dent in their 7-11 record this season. As for Prairie Heights, they are on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five games, which provided a nice bump to their 7-10 record this season.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Fort Wayne Canterbury will take on Lewis Cass at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Prairie Heights, they will head out on the road to face off against Westview at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The timing is sure in Westview's favor as the team sits on five straight wins at home while Prairie Heights has been banged up by four consecutive losses on the road.