Basketball Recap: Clayton Comes Up Short

Clayton was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They had to suffer through a 77-43 loss at the hands of the Willow Spring Storm. While losing is never fun, the Comets can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 306th, while the Storm are ranked 141st).

When it comes to explaining why Clayton lost, don't look at Y'Zana Lee Randle. Despite the final result, she posted 29 points. That was a full 67.4% of Clayton's points, marking the tenth time in a row she's had more than a third of the team's points.

Amanda Mitchell was nothing short of spectacular for Willow Spring: she went 14-for-20 en route to 34 points and seven rebounds. What's more, Mitchell also posted a 50% three-point shooting accuracy, which is the highest she's posted since back in December of 2023. Another player making a difference was Taylor Gray, who scored ten points and seven boards.

Clayton's loss dropped their record down to 7-12. As for Willow Spring, their win bumped their record up to 13-9.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Clayton will head out to square off against Cleveland at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. That contest will pit two of the most dominant guards against one another: Lee Randle and Angelia Dunn. As for Willow Spring, they will head out on the road to take on Southeast Raleigh at 6:15 p.m. on Friday. Southeast Raleigh will roll in looking for their 16th straight victory, something Willow Spring surely won't give up without a fight.