Basketball Recap: Okolona Takes a Loss

Okolona was the 75-65 winner over Houlka when they last played one another back in January of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Okolona Chieftains fell just short of the Houlka Wildcats by a score of 60-57 on Monday. While losing is never fun, the Chieftains can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Mississippi basketball rankings (they are ranked 227th, while the Wildcats are ranked 108th).

Houlka was led to victory by Elijah Foster and Tyler Winter. Foster went 8 of 15 on his way to 18 points and eight rebounds, while Winter dropped a double-double on 15 points and 11 rebounds. Foster is on a roll when it comes to boards, as he's now pulled down eight or more in the last 11 games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Donnie Orgeron, who posted ten points.

Okolona has traveled a rocky road recently having lost five of their last six games, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-12 record this season. That patch can't be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 58.3 points per game. As for Houlka, they pushed their record up to 13-4 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Okolona will challenge Potts Camp at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. As for Houlka, they won't have much time to rest: their next matchup is against Bruce at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. One thing working in Houlka's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last five contests.