Basketball Recap: Western Takes Loss Despite Strong Performances from Hudson Biggs and Carter Biggs

Western suffered their closest loss since February 27, 2024 on Thursday. They fell just short of the Tippecanoe Valley Vikings by a score of 47-45. The Panthers lost against the Vikings in their previous head to head back in February of 2024, too, but the margin this time around was much closer than the 47-22 score last time.

Hudson Biggs

Field Goal Percentage

02/06/25 @ Tippecanoe Valley	71%
02/01/25 vs Clinton Prairie	71%
01/25/25 @ Mississinewa	71%
01/24/25 vs Maconaquah	67%

Despite the defeat, Western had strong showings from Carter Biggs, who went 7 for 11 on his way to 18 points, and Hudson Biggs, who went 5 of 7 en route to 12 points and five rebounds. Hudson is also on a roll when it comes to field goal percentage, as he's posted one of at least 45% in the last four games he's played. Another player making a difference was Sam Thurston, who posted five points.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Tippecanoe Valley to victory, but perhaps none more so than Stephen Akase, who dropped a double-double on 16 points and ten boards. What's more, Akase also racked up three assists, the most he's had since back in November of 2024. Ian Cooksey was another key player, going 6 of 13 to rack up 18 points.

Western has been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 10-8 record this season. Those losses can't be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 53.4 points over those games. As for Tippecanoe Valley, they are on a roll lately: they've won ten of their last 11 games, which provided a nice bump to their 12-4 record this season.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Western will challenge Oak Hill at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Tippecanoe Valley, they will take on North Miami at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.