Basketball Recap: Ocoee Picks Up Fifth Consecutive Victory

Dakara Merthie

Points

01/20/26 @ Colonial	19
01/19/26 vs Southeastern Prep Academy National	16
01/14/26 vs Wekiva	26
01/12/26 vs Horizon	17
01/10/26 vs Bishop Kenny	18

Ocoee extended their winning streak to five games thanks to a huge performance from Dakara Merthie. The Knights came within a single point of losing the streak, but they secured a 59-58 W against the Colonial Grenadiers for which the team can thank Merthie, who shot 42% from the field on her way to 19 points in addition to six boards and five steals. The contest was her fifth in a row with at least 16 points.

The team also got some help courtesy of Gabriella Fortius, who went 6-for-12 en route to 15 points and six rebounds. She is also on a roll when it comes to shooting accuracy, as she's posted one of at least 50% in the last three games she's played.

Colonial's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Yaneyla Pedraza, who shot 40% from the field to rack up 23 points and seven boards, and Iliana Dorvilus, who went 9-for-11 on her way to 21 points.

Ocoee's victory bumped their record up to 17-4. As for Colonial, the defeat snapped their winning streak at five games and leaves them with a 17-5 record.

Coming up, Ocoee will challenge The First Academy at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Knights will be up against the Royals' rather soft defense (which has allowed 52.36 points per matchup), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance. As for Colonial, they will square off against Dr. Phillips at 7:30 p.m. on the 28th.