Basketball Recap: Hinkley Falls Despite Big Games from Alexsandra Ortiz Hernandez and Uniece Reynolds

Hinkley was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their 23rd straight loss dating back to last season. They were five points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 25-20 heartbreaker at the hands of the Lincoln Lancers. The Thunder lost against the Lancers in their previous head to head back in December of 2023, too, but the margin this time around was much closer than the 61-14 score last time.

Despite the defeat, Hinkley had strong showings from Uniece Reynolds, who posted nine points and five steals, and Alexsandra Ortiz Hernandez, who earned three points along with nine boards, five steals, and four blocks. With that strong performance, Reynolds is now averaging an impressive 2.4 steals per game.

Even though they lost, Hinkley smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive boards in three consecutive matches.

It was another big night for Amina Abdikadir, who put up eight points along with eight steals and six boards for Lincoln. Abdikadir has become a key player for Lincoln: the team is undefeated when she posts at least five steals, but 1-2 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Hawa Jumale, who posted seven boards, six blocks, and four steals.

Hinkley's loss dropped their record down to 0-5. As for Lincoln, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 4-2.

Hinkley will get a bit of extra time to process the defeat as their next game is a ways off. They'll take on Denver North at 6:00 p.m. on January 14, 2025. After both having extra time off, Lincoln and DSST: Green Valley Ranch will dust off their jerseys to challenge one another at 7:00 p.m. on January 7, 2025.