Basketball Recap: Miami Beach Proves Higher State Rank Is No Mistake

Miami Beach lost to Hialeah Gardens back in December of 2023, but they didn't allow them the same satisfaction on Tuesday. The Miami Beach Hi-Tides came out on top against the Hialeah Gardens Gladiators by a score of 67-59. Given the Hi-Tides' advantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 231st, while the Gladiators are ranked 498th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Miami Beach had a senior duo take command as Baptiste T posted 29 points and three steals and Shirpsen Jean almost dropped a double-double on 23 points and nine assists. As a matter of fact, that's the most points T has scored all season. Nico James was another key player, putting up eight points.

Hialeah Gardens lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Ray Hernandez Jr, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and 16 boards. Hernandez Jr is crushing it when it comes to rebounds: he's pulled down at least eight every time he's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Eduardo Hernandez, who dropped a double-double on 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Miami Beach is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four matchups, which provided a massive bump to their 4-4 record this season. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 66.8 points per game. As for Hialeah Gardens, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 2-6.

Miami Beach won't have much time to rest: their next contest is against Hebrew Academy at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. As for Hialeah Gardens, they will welcome Goleman at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.