Basketball Recap: Lake Wales Takes Loss Despite Strong Efforts from Samauri Wilson and Sebastian Perez

On Friday, the Lake Wales Highlanders lost to the Bell Creek Academy Panthers on the road by a 71-56 margin. While losing is never fun, the Highlanders can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 390th, while the Panthers are ranked 158th).

Sebastian Perez

Steals

01/17/25 @ Bell Creek Academy	4
01/14/25 vs McKeel Academy	3
01/11/25 vs Freedom	3
01/10/25 @ Sebring	5
01/09/25 vs Lakeland	2

Lake Wales' loss came despite strong showings from Sebastian Perez and Samauri Wilson. Perez went 6 for 14 on his way to 13 points in addition to seven boards and four steals, while Wilson dropped a double-double on 12 points and 11 rebounds. Perez is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last 12 games he's played.

Even though they lost, Lake Wales smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 12 offensive rebounds in five consecutive matches.

Bell Creek Academy's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Lyrique Sartin, who went 7 of 11 en route to 27 points and four steals. Josiah Payne was another key player, dropping a double-double on 11 boards and 11 blocks.

Lake Wales' defeat was their third straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 7-10. As for Bell Creek Academy, the win was the third in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 12-7.

Lake Wales and Tampa Bay Tech will face off at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday without much rest having both just played. As for Bell Creek Academy, they will head out to face off against IMG Academy Black at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.