Pioneer was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat. They were two points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 39-37 heartbreaker at the hands of the North Judson-San Pierre Bluejays. The Panthers were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Bluejays apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in January of 2024.
Pioneer's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Makenna Strycker, who posted 13 points along with seven boards and three steals. That was a full 35.1% of Pioneer's points, marking the eighth time in a row she's scored more than a third of the team's points. Mia McKaig was another key player, putting up eight points in addition to five rebounds and three steals.
North Judson-San Pierre's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Kyleigh Lehiy led the charge by posting four points along with five boards and four steals. Lehiy 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 Avaree Johnston, who went 5 for 10 to rack up 10 points and three steals.
Pioneer's loss dropped their record down to 10-12. As for North Judson-San Pierre, the win was the fourth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 17-4.
Pioneer has already played their next match, a 34-13 victory against Caston on the 5th. As for North Judson-San Pierre, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next game, a 55-37 win against Triton on the 31st.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
