The Santaluces Chiefs were the 77-32 winner over the Boynton Beach Tigers when they last played one another back in January of 2021, but their luck changed this time around. Santaluces fell 45-34 to Boynton Beach on Monday. While losing is never fun, Santaluces can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 512th, while Boynton Beach is ranked 142nd).
Santaluces' defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Makaylah Wayde, who scored 13 points along with eight rebounds and two steals. Wayde is absolutely dominating the steal category: she's posted at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Lyiah Gaitor, who scored six points along with 12 rebounds and five blocks.
Even though they lost, Santaluces smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive rebounds. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Boynton Beach only pulled down seven offensive rebounds.
Rebeca Jean continued her habit of posting crazy stat lines for Boynton Beach, dropping a double-double on 19 points and 16 rebounds. Jean is absolutely dominating the rebound category: she's posted at least eight every time she's taken the court this season.
Santaluces has been struggling recently, as they've lost seven of their last eight matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-10 record this season. As for Boynton Beach, the victory was the 14th in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 15-2.
Santaluces will head out on the road to square off against Treasure Coast at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Treasure Coast is coming into the contest on a five-game losing streak. As for Boynton Beach, they won't have much time to rest: their next match is against Forest Hill at 7:00 p.m. on January 23rd. Forest Hill is looking to tack on another W to their three-game streak on the road.
