Basketball Recap: First Coast Comes Up Short

First Coast was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They were one points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 60-59 heartbreaker at the hands of the KIPP Bold City Greyhounds. The Buccaneers were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Greyhounds earlier this season, when they won 59-46.

First Coast lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Dakari Johnson, who dropped a double-double on 19 points and ten boards. Johnson is becoming a predictor of First Coast's success: when he posts at least eight rebounds the team is 2-1 (and 5-6 when he doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Elijah Gooden, who posted nine points and eight rebounds.

Buccaneers

Previous 3 Games

01/09/25 @ KIPP Bold City	59-60
12/28/24 vs Raines	62-64
12/27/24 @ Ribault	51-83

Even though they lost, First Coast smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive boards in 13 consecutive matchups.

Mikell Reddick had an outrageously good game for KIPP Bold City as he almost dropped a double-double on 18 points and nine boards. What's more, Reddick also racked up two blocks, the most he's had since back in January of 2024. Another player making a difference was Maalik Belford, who went 6 of 11 on his way to 14 points in addition to six rebounds and three steals.

First Coast's loss dropped their record down to 7-7. As for KIPP Bold City, the win (which was their fourth in a row) raised their record to 12-4.

First Coast wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next contest, a 67-56 defeat against Mandarin on the 10th. As for KIPP Bold City, they also didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 58-24 victory against Duval Charter on the 13th.