Basketball Game Preview: Bethel Christian Kings vs. Lucerne Valley Mustangs

The Bethel Christian Kings will take on the Lucerne Valley Mustangs in a tournament on Saturday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Bethel Christian is headed into the game after thoroughly thrashing Crossroads Christian: they outscored them in every quarter. Given that consistent dominance, it should come as no surprise that Bethel Christian blew Crossroads Christian out of the water with a 40-12 final score. The Kings have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won three matchups by 28 points or more this season.

Leah Lopez

Steals

12/18/24 @ Crossroads Christian	7
12/17/24 vs Norton Science & Language Academy	6
12/09/24 vs Entrepreneur	4
12/04/24 @ California School for the Deaf-Riverside	2
12/03/24 vs Redlands Adventist Academy	3
11/21/24 @ Redlands Adventist Academy	3

Bethel Christian got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Leah Lopez out in front who posted 16 points along with seven steals and five rebounds. Lopez is crushing it when it comes to steals: she's grabbed at least two every time she's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Hailey Havlicheck, who almost dropped a double-double on 11 points and nine boards.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Lucerne Valley, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Tuesday. They secured a 44-40 W over Granite Hills on Thursday.

Lucerne Valley is on a roll lately: they've won six of their last eight contests, which provided a nice bump to their 7-4 record this season. The wins came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 24.8 points per game. As for Bethel Christian, their victory ended a four-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-4.

Bethel Christian was dealt a bruising 47-9 defeat at the hands of Lucerne Valley when the teams last played back in December of 2022. Can Bethel Christian avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.