Basketball Recap: Dynamic Duo of Averie Steverson and Samantha Barragan Lead Merced to Victory

Two teams were on the hunt for playoff glory, but only Merced walked away with it. They walked away with a 48-40 victory over the Lodi Flames on Monday. This was payback for the Bears, who suffered a 49-38 defeat the last time these two teams met.

Averie Steverson

Rebounds

02/17/25 vs Lodi	9
02/13/25 vs Golden Valley	12
02/11/25 vs Atwater	16

Merced was led to victory by Samantha Barragan and Averie Steverson. Barragan almost dropped a double-double with 15 points and nine boards, while Steverson almost dropped a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds. Steverson has been hot recently, having posted nine or more boards the last three times she's played. Makiiyah Sims was another key player, putting up five points and 16 rebounds.

Merced smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 20 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive rebounds in seven consecutive contests.

When it comes to explaining why Lodi lost, don't look at Lillie Bayless. Despite the final result, she posted 21 points in addition to five boards and three steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Emiko Tanaka, who put up nine points.

Merced has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a nice bump to their 17-11 record this season. Lodi has traveled a rocky road recently having lost three of their last four matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 13-15 record this season.

Merced didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next contest, a 69-26 loss against Christian Brothers on the 18th. Lodi does not have any more games scheduled as of now.