Basketball Recap: American Comes Up Short

American entered their contest against Southridge on Thursday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. The American Patriots were outmatched by the Southridge Spartans and fell 85-58. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Patriots have suffered since November 21, 2023.

Derrius Black

Blocked Shots

12/12/24 vs Southridge	2
01/04/24 @ Reagan	2
12/21/23 vs Booker T. Washington	2
12/19/23 vs iMater Charter	2
12/06/24 vs Everglades	1

Loss or not, American got some senior leadership from Angel Torres and Derrius Black. Torres posted 21 points, while Black dropped a double-double on 14 points and 13 rebounds. What's more, Black also racked up two blocks, the most he's had since back in January. Another player making a difference was Joshua Castin, who earned nine points.

O?Cien Valdes was his usual excellent self, going 10 of 18 on his way to 27 points for Southridge. Valdes' evening made it four games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of DeAndre Hardy, who almost dropped a double-double on 17 points and nine boards.

American's defeat ended a five-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 6-1. As for Southridge, the victory made it two in a row for them and also bumps their season record up to 6-1.

American and Coral Reef will compete for holiday cheer at 7:30 p.m. on December 19th. Southridge will take on South Florence in a holiday battle at at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.