If the Palmetto Panthers were feeling good off their 56-16 takedown of the Dr. Krop Lightning last Monday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. Palmetto's rough 58-37 loss to Southridge on Wednesday might stick with them for a while. While losing is never fun, Palmetto can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 133rd, while Southridge is ranked 33rd).
When it comes to explaining why Palmetto lost, one person who can't be blamed is Sami Anes. Despite the final result, she scored 14 points along with nine rebounds and five steals. Anes is absolutely dominating the steal category: she's posted at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Ale Falcon was another key contributor, scoring nine points along with eight rebounds.
Southridge's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Naya Hardisson, who scored 13 points along with eight assists and four steals. Hardisson is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last five games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Dianka Hardisson, who scored 14 points along with seven rebounds and five assists.
Palmetto's loss dropped their record down to 10-5. As for Southridge, the win (which was their fourth in a row) raised their record to 14-5.
Palmetto does not have any more games scheduled as of now. Southridge's homestand continues as they prepare to take on Miami at 5:00 p.m. on January 27th. Miami is also coming in off of a big victory, so somebody is in for a big reversal of fortune.
