Basketball Recap: Stratford Takes a Loss

Stratford lost against Goose Creek back in February of 2024 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Monday. The Stratford Knights took a 60-51 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Goose Creek Gators. While losing is never fun, the Knights can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' South Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 132nd, while the Gators are ranked 49th).

Defeat or not, Stratford got some senior leadership from Sydnie Stepney and Ciara Mustapher. Stepney posted five points along with 15 rebounds and three blocks, while Mustapher scored 15 points and five boards. Stepney is on a roll when it comes to blocks, as she's now posted two or more in the last 22 games she's played dating back to last season. Averi Johnson was another key player, putting up 11 points.

Even though they lost, Stratford smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in 18 consecutive matchups.

Goose Creek found their leader in sophomore Madeline Dates, who went 9 for 18 on her way to 20 points and four steals. Another player making a difference was Gabby Curtis, who went 5 of 8 en route to 12 points.

Stratford has traveled a rocky road recently having lost four of their last five games, which put a noticeable dent in their 7-12 record this season. As for Goose Creek, they have been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six contests, which provided a nice bump to their 9-7 record this season.

Stratford didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next matchup, a 61-41 loss against Wando on the 31st. Goose Creek has also already played their next game (against Cane Bay), but no score has been uploaded at the time of writing.