The Chico Panthers waltzed into their game on Friday with three straight wins but they left with four. They managed a 49-43 win over Pleasant Valley. The victory was all the more spectacular given Chico's disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 145th, while Pleasant Valley is ranked 43rd).
Chico found their leader in underclassman Corrina Stephens, who dropped a double-double on 16 points and 21 rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Stephens has scored all season. Another player making a difference was Taylee Clements, who scored ten points.
Chico is on a roll lately: they've won 11 of their last 13 matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 13-7 record this season. As for Pleasant Valley, their defeat dropped their record down to 15-7.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Chico will square off against Shasta at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Shasta is on a three-game streak of home wins, Chico a three-game streak of away wins -- so someone will have to leave a streak behind on the court. As for Pleasant Valley, they will head out on the road to take on Red Bluff at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Red Bluff is coming into the contest on a five-game losing streak.
