Basketball Recap: Hayden Moore's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Lincoln County over Hoover

Lincoln County suffered their closest loss since December 10, 2024 on Monday. They fell just short of the Hoover Huskies by a score of 52-49.

Lincoln County's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Hayden Moore, who almost dropped a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds. That's the most points Moore has posted since back in February of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Chevelle Salmons, who almost dropped a double-double with 13 points and nine boards.

Even though they lost, Lincoln County smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive rebounds. This was only their 12th loss (out of 15 games) when they hit their own glass that hard.

Hoover got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Ayva Veltri out in front who scored 20 points and three steals. Veltri is becoming a predictor of Hoover's success: when she posts at least 20 points the team is 4-1 (and 2-9 when she doesn't). Bella Haas was another key player, putting up six points along with six rebounds and five assists.

Lincoln County's loss was their 13th straight at home dating back to last season, which dropped their record down to 3-15. As for Hoover, their victory bumped their record up to 6-10.

Lincoln County didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next match, a 51-46 defeat against Scott on the 13th. As for Hoover, they have also already played their next contest, a 66-37 win against Elk Valley Christian on the 13th.