Basketball Recap: Ja'marion Jackson's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Vista Del Lago over Paloma Valley

Vista del Lago was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their sixth straight defeat. They were five points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 59-54 heartbreaker at the hands of the Paloma Valley Wildcats. The Ravens were probably out for revenge after losing 68-51 to them when the teams met back in January of 2024, then they'll just have to keep looking.

Vista del Lago's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Ja'Marion Jackson, who went 5 for 12 en route to 13 points and eight boards. Quinton Jinna-Smith was another key player, going 6 of 13 on his way to 14 points.

Ravens

Previous 6 Games

01/14/25 vs Paloma Valley	54-59
01/13/25 vs Moreno Valley	43-63
01/09/25 @ Hemet	47-78
01/07/25 vs Lakeside	54-59
01/03/25 @ Ramona	55-71
12/30/24 @ San Gorgonio	54-57

Even though they lost, Vista del Lago smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in 19 consecutive matches.

Paloma Valley found their leader in sophomore Rey Rivas, who went 5 for 11 en route to 16 points. Rivas has been hot recently, having also posted two or more steals the last three times he's played. Another player making a difference was Christopher Helms, who posted eight points.

Vista del Lago's defeat dropped their record down to 4-16. As for Paloma Valley, their victory ended a five-game drought on the road and puts them at 7-9.

Vista del Lago has already played their next contest, an 83-41 loss against Citrus Hill on the 16th. As for Paloma Valley, they also didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 59-55 defeat against Perris on the 16th.