Basketball Recap: Nicole Olivera's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Verdugo Hills over Cleveland + How To Watch

Verdugo Hills was the 55-51 winner over Cleveland when they last played one another back in December of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Dons fell 60-48 to the Cavaliers on Friday. The Dons have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Nicole Olivera

Steals

11/21/25 @ Cleveland	7
11/18/25 @ Valencia	2
11/14/25 vs Garfield	15

Several Dons players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Nicole Olivera, who shot 53% from the field to rack up 17 points and seven steals. Olivera is crushing it when it comes to steals: she's grabbed at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Kayla Pimentel, who posted 12 points and eight assists.

Cleveland was led to victory by Sophie Ward and Melanie Paz. Ward dropped a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Paz almost dropped a double-double with 13 points and nine steals. That's the most points Paz has posted since back in December of 2024. Daryl Bahingire was another key player, putting up four points and 13 boards.

Verdugo Hills now has a losing record of 1-2. As for Cleveland, the win got them back to even at 1-1.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Verdugo Hills will take on Canyon at 2:00 p.m. on Monday. As for Cleveland, they will be playing at home against Calabasas at 1:30 p.m. on Monday.