After a string of three wins, the Mercer Mustangs's good fortune finally ran out on Thursday. Their2023 ended with a 75-57 loss against Redbank Valley. While losing is never fun, Mercer can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 332nd, while Redbank Valley is ranked 88th).
Redbank Valley got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Owen Clouse out in front who scored 19 points along with six rebounds. Those 19 points set a new season-high mark for him. The team also got some help courtesy of Mason Clouse, who dropped a double-double on 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Mercer's defeat dropped their record down to 6-2. As for Redbank Valley, they pushed their record up to 6-1 with that win, which was their third straight on the road.
Mercer and Rocky Grove will face off at 7:30 p.m. on January 5, 2024 without much rest after finishing up games yesterday. Hopefully Rocky Grove focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 18 on Friday. As for Redbank Valley, they will be playing at home against Moniteau at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Moniteau knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with flashy point totals in its past four matchups -- so hopefully Redbank Valley likes a good challenge.
