Basketball Recap: Bloom Comes Up Short

Bloom was the 55-53 winner over Manual when they last played one another back in December of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The contest between the Blazing Trojan and the Rams didn't end well, with the Blazing Trojan falling 72-53. While losing is never fun, the Blazing Trojan can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 145th, while the Rams are ranked 43rd).

Troy Garner

Points

12/29/25 vs Manual	20
12/20/25 vs Proviso West	12
12/19/25 @ Kankakee	18
12/13/25 vs Crane Medical	10
12/12/25 vs Thornwood	20
+ 2 more games

Despite the loss, Bloom still got an impressive performance from Troy Garner, who shot 69% from the field on his way to 20 points and three blocks. With that strong performance, Garner is now averaging an impressive 15.1 points per game. Keiwon Gulley was another key player, putting up four points along with seven assists and four steals.

Bloom has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-6 record this season. Those losses can't be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 58.0 points over those games. As for Manual, their win bumped their record up to 6-2.

Bloom has already played their next game, a 51-28 victory against Plainfield North on the 30th. As for Manual, they will look to defend their home court on January 6, 2026 against Springfield Southeast at 7:00 p.m.