Basketball Recap: Jaydon Ortiz's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Needville over Wharton

Needville was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat. They fell 52-39 to the Wharton Tigers. The Bluejays were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Tigers apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in January of 2024.

Needville's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jaydon Ortiz, who posted seven points along with six assists and six boards. Ralphie Ortiz was another key player, putting up nine points and six rebounds.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Wharton to victory, but perhaps none more so than Jacoryan Dickerson, who went 9 of 14 on his way to 19 points in addition to eight boards and five blocks. Dickerson is on a roll when it comes to boards, as he's now pulled down eight or more in the last three games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Jameir Hearne-Robinson, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and 11 boards.

Needville's loss dropped their record down to 5-11. As for Wharton, they moved to 16-8 with that win, which also ended their three-game losing streak.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Needville will welcome Columbia at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Wharton, they will look to defend their home court on Tuesday against Bay City at 6:30 p.m.