Basketball Recap: East Palo Alto Academy Takes Loss Despite Strong Performances from Perla Sanchez and Sharol Cruz

East Palo Alto Academy was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their 21st straight defeat dating back to last season. They came up short against the Mid-Peninsula Dragons, falling 36-16. Sadly, that's the second time they've come up short against the Bulldogs this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 27-13 back in December of 2024.

Sharol Cruz and Perla Sanchez certainly did their best on Thursday to avoid the loss. Cruz posted seven points, while Sanchez put up six points. That was a full 37.5% of East Palo Alto Academy's points, marking the third time in a row she's scored more than a third of the team's points. Itzel Hurtado also deserves some recognition as she scored her first point of the season.

East Palo Alto Academy's loss dropped their record down to 0-9. As for Mid-Peninsula, their victory ended a six-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-10.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. East Palo Alto Academy will take on Kehillah at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Kehillah's defense has only allowed 27.2 points per game this season, so East Palo Alto Academy's offense will have their work cut out for them. As for Mid-Peninsula, they will challenge Mountain View Academy at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Mid-Peninsula is facing Mountain View Academy at the right time seeing as Mountain View Academy is stuck on a three-game losing streak.