Basketball Recap: Durant Comes Up Short

Durant was the 76-72 winner over Sickles when they last played one another back in December of 2020, but their luck changed this time around. The Durant Cougars had to suffer through a 88-50 loss at the hands of the Sickles Gryphons. While losing is never fun, the Cougars can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 544th, while the Gryphons are ranked 188th).

Durant's loss on Friday came despite strong showings from Niko Sosa and Ian Ibanez. Sosa posted four points in addition to six boards and five assists, while Ibanez had eight points. Matthew Suarez was another key player, putting up nine points.

Even though they lost, Durant smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive rebounds. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Sickles only pulled down six offensive boards.

Sickles found their leader in sophomore Chase Weismiller, who went 8 of 13 en route to 23 points. Another player making a difference was Eddy Hernandez, who went 7 for 10 on his way to 14 points and eight rebounds.

Durant has traveled a rocky road recently having lost ten of their last 11 matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-14 record this season. As for Sickles, they have been performing well recently as they've won six of their last eight games, which provided a nice bump to their 13-8 record this season.

Durant wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next contest, an 83-45 defeat against Palmetto on the 18th. Sickles has also already played their next match, a 57-55 win against Wharton on the 21st.