Basketball Recap: Ponderosa Falls Despite Big Games from Ben Bailey and Travis Bays

Ponderosa was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They lost 80-60 to the Christian Brothers Falcons. While losing is never fun, the Bruins can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 701st, while the Falcons are ranked 90th).

Ponderosa's loss came despite strong showings from Travis Bays and Ben Bailey. Bays posted 13 points, while Bailey almost dropped a double-double on 11 points and nine rebounds. What's more, Bays also racked up two blocks, the most he's had since back in December of 2024. Brandon Ragan also deserves some recognition as he posted his first assist of the season.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Christian Brothers to victory, but perhaps none more so than Stephan Hewitt, who scored 13 points. Joaquin Lucero-Mattis was another key player, putting up 13 points.

Ponderosa's loss dropped their record down to 5-20. As for Christian Brothers, they are on a roll lately: they've won seven of their last nine matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 20-6 record this season.

Ponderosa will take on Rio Americano at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Christian Brothers, they will challenge Bella Vista at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Christian Brothers is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 62.9 points per game this season.