Basketball Recap: Jayden Santiago's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Desoto County over Avon Park

DeSoto County was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their fifth straight loss. They received a blow as they fell 88-70 to the Avon Park Red Devils. While losing is never fun, the Bulldogs can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 615th, while the Red Devils are ranked 189th).

DeSoto County's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jayden Santiago, who went 8 for 15 on his way to 18 points and seven rebounds. Those 18 points gave Santiago a new career-high. Enrique Castro was another key player, going 5 of 10 on his way to 13 points and four steals.

DeSoto County's loss dropped their record down to 6-10. As for Avon Park, the win was the eighth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 10-1.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. DeSoto County will challenge Parrish Community at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Avon Park, they will venture away from home to challenge Lake Placid at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.