Basketball Recap: Benicia Falls Despite Big Games from Ayden Thompson and Zach Barnes

Benicia was the 67-51 winner over Acalanes when they last played one another back in January of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Benicia Panthers took a 62-51 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Acalanes Dons on Saturday. While losing is never fun, the Panthers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 317th, while the Dons are ranked 125th).

Zach Barnes and Ayden Thompson certainly did their best on Saturday to avoid the loss. Barnes went 7 of 13 on his way to 18 points, while Thompson went 8 for 15 to rack up 17 points along with seven boards and three steals. Barnes also posted a block, marking his first of the season. AJ Ocsona was another key player, putting up 11 points.

Benicia has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 12-11 record this season. As for Acalanes, the victory was the third in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 18-5.

Benicia has already played their next match, a 55-39 loss against Clayton Valley Charter on the 4th. As for Acalanes, they also didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 79-56 win against Miramonte on the 4th.