Basketball Recap: Mission Viejo Falls Despite Big Games from Savanna Whitesides and Sofia Gozzo

Mission Viejo played a tough matchup on Tuesday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They might have been a little too into the holiday spirit, gifting the Laguna Hills Hawks an easy 53-31 victory. While losing is never fun, the Diablos can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 910th, while the Hawks are ranked 438th).

Mission Viejo's loss came despite strong showings from Sofia Gozzo and Savanna Whitesides. Gozzo almost dropped a double-double on nine points and ten rebounds, while Whitesides posted four points and 18 boards. The team also got some help courtesy of Faith Harper, who put up six points and six rebounds.

Diablos

Previous 2 Games

12/17/24 @ Laguna Hills	31-53
12/14/24 @ Tustin	29-67

Even though they lost, Mission Viejo smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 28 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 18 consecutive contests dating back to last season.

Mission Viejo has traveled a rocky road recently having lost three of their last four games, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-8 record this season. As for Laguna Hills, their win was their sixth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 10-2.

Mission Viejo will take on Segerstrom in a holiday battle at at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Laguna Hills and Laguna Beach will compete for holiday cheer at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.