Basketball Recap: KIPP Esperanza Comes Up Short

KIPP Esperanza was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their fourth straight loss. They took a 45-26 bruising from the Pacific Bay Christian Eagles.

Despite the loss, KIPP Esperanza still got an impressive performance from Eddie Whiteside, who posted 19 points. That was a full 73.1% of KIPP Esperanza's points, marking the third time in a row he's earned more than a third of the team's points.

Pacific Bay Christian's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Jared Balantakbo led the charge by going 8 for 18 on his way to 22 points. What's more, Balantakbo also racked up two assists, the most he's had since back in November of 2023. Brady Strickland was another key player, going 5 of 11 en route to 12 points.

KIPP Esperanza's defeat dropped their record down to 1-11. As for Pacific Bay Christian, the win (which was their seventh in a row) raised their record to 9-8.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. KIPP Esperanza will square off against Kehillah at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Kehillah will roll in looking for their sixth straight victory, something KIPP Esperanza surely won't give up without a fight. As for Pacific Bay Christian, they will look to defend their home court on Thursday against Pescadero at 6:00 p.m.