Basketball Recap: Taylor Mitchell's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Massena over Potsdam

Massena was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fifth straight loss dating back to last season. They were four points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 45-41 heartbreaker at the hands of the Potsdam Sandstoners. The Raiders were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Sandstoners apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in January.

Several Raiders players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Taylor Mitchell, who posted 17 points and five rebounds. Mitchell is also crushing it when it comes to steals: he's grabbed at least two every time he's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Chris Boyea, who went 5 of 9 on his way to 13 points and seven rebounds.

Even though they lost, Massena was working as a unit and finished the game with 12 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Potsdam only racked up six assists.

Potsdam was led to victory by Brodie Delaney and Ian VanWagner. Delaney dropped a double-double on 22 points and ten boards, while VanWagner had 11 points in addition to six rebounds and five steals.

Massena's loss dropped their record down to 0-3. As for Potsdam, they pushed their record up to 4-0 with the victory, which was their sixth straight on the road dating back to last season.

Massena wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next match, a 58-42 win against AuSable Valley on the 14th. As for Potsdam, they will welcome Ogdensburg Free Academy at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Potsdam is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 58.8 points per game this season.