The Islands Sharks pushed their score all the way to 62 on Friday, but even that wasn't enough to win. They took a 81-62 bruising from New Hampstead. While losing is never fun, Islands can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Georgia basketball rankings (they are ranked 376th, while the Phoenix are ranked 60th).
Islands' defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Braylen Butterworth, who scored 16 points along with six assists and six rebounds. Another player making a difference was Jordan Cave, who scored 17 points.
Islands has been struggling recently as they've lost eight of their last nine contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 7-13 record this season. As for New Hampstead, the win was the 11th in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 18-5.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Islands has the luxury of staying home another game and will welcome the Bears at 7:30 p.m. on February 6th. New Hampstead will take on the Cadets at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Benedictine is looking to tack on another W to their four-game streak on the road.
