Basketball Recap: Shayla Bates Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat La Quinta

Palm Springs's game last Friday was a loss, but they didn't let that memory haunt them on Monday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the La Quinta Blackhawks, sneaking past 51-49. This was a revenge game for the Indians: when they faced off against the Blackhawks on January 8th, they had to take a 32-27 loss.

Palm Springs got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Shayla Bates out in front who dropped a double-double on 14 points and ten rebounds. What's more, Bates also racked up three assists, the most she's had since back in November of 2023. Another player making a difference was Aja Walker, who posted 15 points and five boards.

Despite the defeat, La Quinta had strong showings from Leahnette Castro-Galarza, who went 8 of 18 en route to 21 points along with eight steals and five rebounds, and Sophie Barrow, who went 6 for 14 on her way to 17 points and eight boards. That was a full 34.7% of La Quinta's points, marking the third time in a row she's scored more than a third of the team's points.

Palm Springs' win bumped their record up to 15-9. As for La Quinta, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 11-11.

Palm Springs will venture away from home to face off against Xavier Prep at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. As for La Quinta, they will face off against Rancho Mirage at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. La Quinta is facing Rancho Mirage at the right time seeing as Rancho Mirage is stuck on a three-game losing streak.