Basketball Recap: Amphitheater Takes Loss Despite Strong Efforts from Jovan Antonio and Khari Gilliam

Amphitheater was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their sixth straight loss. They were three points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 65-62 heartbreaker at the hands of the Rio Rico Hawks. The Panthers were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Hawks apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in January of 2024.

Amphitheater's loss came despite strong showings from Khari Gilliam and Jovan Antonio. Gilliam went 5 for 8 on his way to 16 points, while Antonio dropped a double-double on 15 points and ten boards. Gilliam continues to improve, besting his previous point total in each of the last three games he's played. Tyree Malone was another key player, putting up seven points and three steals.

Rio Rico got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Santiago Merino out in front who posted 14 points. Another player making a difference was Ramsess Bolivar, who put up 12 points.

Amphitheater's loss dropped their record down to 4-11. As for Rio Rico, their win was their first in the region, bumping their region record up to 1-2 and their overall record up to 2-16.

Amphitheater didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next matchup, a 93-72 defeat against Douglas on the 21st. As for Rio Rico, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next contest, a 71-29 loss against Pusch Ridge Christian Academy on the 21st.