Basketball Recap: Utica Proves Higher State Rank Is No Mistake

Utica's game on Wednesday was all tied up 25-25 at the half, but luckily for them it didn't stay that way. They secured a 62-56 W over the Zanesville Blue Devils. Given the Redskins' advantage in MaxPreps' Ohio basketball rankings (they are ranked 285th, while the Blue Devils are ranked 603rd), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Ayawna Gladden and Isabella Norman certainly did their best on Wednesday to avoid the loss. Gladden dropped a double-double on 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Norman went 7 of 9 on her way to 18 points. Lakeyah Butcher was another key player, putting up five points and four steals.

Utica's record is now 10-7. As for Zanesville, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 3-13.

Utica is taking a road trip to challenge Northridge at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday. Northridge will roll in looking for their fourth straight win, something Utica surely won't give up without a fight. As for Zanesville, they will welcome Watkins Memorial at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday.