Basketball Recap: King Takes Loss Despite Strong Performances from Kamila Hernandez and Charis Peninger

King was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They took a hard 54-39 fall against the Gregory-Portland Wildcats. While losing is never fun, the Mustangs can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Texas basketball rankings (they are ranked 970th, while the Wildcats are ranked 465th).

King's loss came despite strong showings from Charis Peninger and Kamila Hernandez. Peninger went 7 for 16 on her way to 20 points in addition to six boards and three steals, while Hernandez posted seven points in addition to six steals and five rebounds. That was a full 51.3% of King's points, marking the third time in a row she's had more than a third of the team's points.

Gregory-Portland was led to victory by Jayden Lara and Brittney Chapman. Lara put up 13 points along with seven rebounds and five assists, while Chapman dropped a double-double on 15 points and ten boards. What's more, Chapman also racked up two assists, the most she's had since back in December of 2024. Macie Besinaiz was another key player, putting up seven points along with six boards and four steals.

King's loss dropped their record down to 8-20. As for Gregory-Portland, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 18-11.

Coincidentally, both will both be playing Corpus Christi Moody the next time they take the court. Gregory-Portland will host Corpus Christi Moody at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, while King will head out to face them at 6:15 p.m. on January 14th.