The Kennedy Thunderbirds's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Wednesday after their third straight loss. They fell to Taft 38-33. Kennedy found out winning isn't easy when you're outrebounded 23 to 7 on offense.
Kennedy's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Kayleen Maes, who scored 11 points along with three steals. Those three steals set a new season-high mark for her. Imaree Curry was another key contributor, scoring nine points along with eight rebounds and three steals.
Taft's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Shelby Gregory led the charge by scoring 12 points along with nine rebounds and six blocks. That makes it eight consecutive games in which Gregory has scored at least 25% of Taft's points. Another player making a difference was Taira Leota, who scored eight points along with ten rebounds.
Kennedy's loss was their sixth straight at home dating back to last season, which bumped their record down to 5-8. As for Taft, their win bumped their record up to 5-9.
Kennedy won't have much time to rest: their next matchup is against Delano at 7:15 p.m. on January 4th. Delano is coming into the contest on a three-game losing streak. Taft won't have much time to rest: their next game is against Shafter at 6:15 p.m. on January 4th. Shafter presents a significant challenge as they come into the match much higher ranked than Taft in California (Shafter is ranked 233rd, while Taft is ranked 948th).
