Basketball Recap: Manteno Comes Up Short

On Wednesday, the Manteno Panthers came up short against the St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans and fell 61-52. While losing is never fun, the Panthers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 294th, while the Spartans are ranked 103rd).

Manteno has traveled a rocky road recently having lost three of their last four matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 12-9 record this season. As for St. Joseph-Ogden, their win was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-5.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. A feisty cat fight is on tap when the Manteno Panthers take on the Wilmington Wildcats at 6:45 p.m. on Friday. As for St. Joseph-Ogden, they will square off against Illinois Valley Central at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. One thing working in St. Joseph-Ogden's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last four games.