The Paramount Pirates won the last time they faced the Downey Vikings, and things went their way on Wednesday too. Paramount rang in the new year with a 55-43 victory over Downey. Given Paramount's advantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 48th, while Downey is ranked 163rd), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Downey's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Amanda Velazquez, who scored eight points along with seven rebounds and three steals, and Symantha Barnett who scored seven points along with six rebounds and four blocks. Barnett hasn't dropped below two steals for five straight games. Another player making a difference was Olivia Vaughn, who scored 11 points along with five steals.
Paramount has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven contests, which provided a nice bump to their 16-4 record this season. As for Downey, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 9-10.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Paramount will take on Warren at 5:15 p.m. on Friday. As for Downey, they will be playing at home against San Juan Hills at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. San Juan Hills is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 56.8 points per game.
