Basketball Recap: Paxton Takes a Loss

It was a proper cat-fight when Paxton challenged Florala on Friday. The Paxton Bobcats took a 50-44 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Florala Wildcats. While losing is never fun, the Bobcats can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 537th in Florida, while the Wildcats are ranked 138th in Alabama).

Garrett Lowry

Rebounds (Career)

01/10/25 vs Florala	12
01/07/25 @ Jay	11
12/03/24 vs Jay	10
12/14/24 vs New Brockton	10
11/30/23 vs Geneva County	8

Despite the loss, Paxton still got an impressive performance from Garrett Lowry, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and 12 boards. The dominant performance gave Lowry a new career-high in boards. Wade Borgesen was another key player, putting up four points along with six boards and five assists.

Even though they lost, Paxton smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.

Florala's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Rayshon Coleman led the charge by going 9 of 17 on his way to 21 points in addition to six assists and five boards. Coleman has been hot for a while, having posted 17 or more points the last 13 times he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Dalton Jackson, who went 6 of 11 on his way to 13 points and five rebounds.

Paxton has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 7-10 record this season. As for Florala, the victory was the fifth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 11-1.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Paxton will take on West Florida Baptist Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. As for Florala, they will square off against Pleasant Home at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Both teams are headed into the matchup with plenty of momentum (Pleasant Home has won five straight at home, while Florala won six straight on the road dating back to last season), something that'll have to change.