Basketball Recap: A'jean Rumph's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Kathleen over Lakeland

Kathleen was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their sixth straight defeat. They came up short against the Lakeland Dreadnaughts, falling 71-50. While losing is never fun, the Red Devils can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 605th, while the Dreadnaughts are ranked 208th).

Kathleen lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being A'Jean Rumph, who posted ten points. That's the most points Rumph has posted since back in December of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Jayshaun Fredrick, who put up nine points and five boards.

Lakeland got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Demarion Smith out in front who went 7 for 10 en route to 20 points in addition to six rebounds and three steals. Another player making a difference was Tyson Mcelhaney, who scored 16 points and four steals.

Kathleen's loss dropped their record down to 3-19. As for Lakeland, their record is now 12-10.

Kathleen has already played their next game, a 53-47 victory against Freedom on the 3rd. As for Lakeland, they will face off against Lake Gibson on Wednesday. Lake Gibson has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.