Basketball Recap: Walhalla Falls Despite Big Games from Jackson Smith and Tyler Lusk

Walhalla was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They were six points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 54-48 heartbreaker at the hands of the Pendleton Bulldogs. The Razorbacks were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Bulldogs apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in February of 2024.

Walhalla's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Tyler Lusk, who went 5 for 8 en route to 14 points, and Jackson Smith, who almost dropped a double-double on nine points and 11 rebounds. The dominant performance also gave Smith a new career-high in blocks (three). Cam Lusk also deserves some recognition as he posted his first block of the season.

Leading Pendleton to victory were Michael Barnett and Garon Blalock. Barnett went 5 of 11 on his way to 13 points along with five assists and four steals, while Blalock went 6 for 10 en route to 12 points and eight boards. Barnett is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last four games he's played. Another player making a difference was Abijah Webb, who posted nine points in addition to five rebounds and four steals.

Walhalla's record now sits at 5-14. As for Pendleton, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 4-12.

Coincidentally, both will both be playing West-Oak the next time they take the court. Pendleton will host West-Oak at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, while Walhalla will head out to face them at 7:30 p.m. on January 21st.