Basketball Recap: Venice Victorious

Lakewood Ranch came into Friday's game looking for another win against Venice, but Marcel Fil wouldn't allow it. The Venice Indians walked away with a 62-53 win over the Lakewood Ranch Mustangs on Friday thanks in part to Fil, who dropped a double-double on 19 points and 19 rebounds. He is on a roll when it comes to boards, as he's now pulled down eight or more in the last four games he's played.

Lakewood Ranch's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Liam Scalzo, who almost dropped a double-double on 16 points and nine rebounds. That's the most boards Scalzo has posted since back in December of 2023. The team also got some help courtesy of Wes Henry, who posted eight points and six rebounds.

The victory got Venice back to even at 9-9. As for Lakewood Ranch, they dropped their record down to 3-15 with the loss, which was their fourth straight on the road.

Venice wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next match, a 58-53 defeat against Avon Park on the 18th. Lakewood Ranch has also already played their next contest, a 65-45 loss against Braden River on the 21st.