Basketball Recap: Sage Stahl's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Dugger Union over Eminence

Dugger Union won a close one the last time they played, but unfortunately they suffered a serious change of fortune on Saturday. They lost 63-42 to the Eminence Eels. The Bulldogs were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Eels apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in January of 2018.

Dugger Union's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Sage Stahl, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and 14 boards. Stahl is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as she's now pulled down eight or more in the last ten games she's played. Another player making a difference was Jordyn Smith, who posted 13 points and four steals.

Even though they lost, Dugger Union smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 22 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards in four consecutive games.

Eminence found their leader in sophomore Khloee Kirk, who put up 30 points. That makes it three consecutive games in which Kirk has scored at least a third of Eminence's points. Sophia Saucerman was another key player, putting up 16 points.

Dugger Union has been struggling recently as they've lost six of their last seven matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 3-8 record this season. As for Eminence, the victory (which was their ninth in a row) raised their record to 12-5.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Dugger Union will square off against Washington Catholic at 6:00 p.m. on January 4, 2025. As for Eminence, they will challenge Central Christian Academy at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Eminence is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 50.1 points per game this season.