Basketball Recap: Reese Miller's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Temecula Prep over Desert Christian

Temecula Prep and Desert Christian squared off in some playoff action on Thursday, but Temecula Prep had to settle for second. They took a 49-40 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Desert Christian Knights. The Patriots were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Knights apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in February of 2024.

Reese Miller

Steals (Career)

02/13/25 vs Desert Christian	8
12/06/24 vs Garey	7
11/16/23 @ Linfield Christian	7
12/03/24 vs Linfield Christian	5
12/21/23 vs Nuview Bridge	5

Temecula Prep's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Reese Miller, who posted 13 points and eight steals. The dominant performance gave Miller a new career-high in steals. Bailey Litt was another key player, almost dropping a double-double with nine points and ten rebounds.

Even though they lost, Temecula Prep smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 40 consecutive contests dating back to last season.

Desert Christian got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Ava Armstrong out in front who went 7-for-16 on her way to 18 points and six steals. Armstrong has been hot for a while, having posted two or more steals the last 19 times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Makenzie Duffee, who almost dropped a double-double with 13 points and nine boards.

Temecula Prep's loss dropped their record down to 20-7. As for Desert Christian, they are on a roll lately: they've won six of their last eight games, which provided a nice bump to their 16-7 record this season.

Temecula Prep does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Desert Christian, they have already played their next matchup, a 51-40 defeat against Maranatha on the 15th.