Basketball Recap: Rhys Walcott's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Eastmark over ALA - Queen Creek

If Eastmark was riding high fresh off their 75-47 takedown of Crismon last Thursday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Eastmark Firebirds lost 64-44 to the ALA - Queen Creek Patriots on Friday. The Firebirds were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Patriots apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in January of 2024.

Eastmark's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Rhys Walcott, who posted 17 points. Walcott is on a roll when it comes to points, as he's now scored 15 or more in the last five games he's played. Coleman Hoffpauir also deserves some recognition as he scored his first points of the season.

ALA - Queen Creek got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Layfe Clarkson out in front who went 10 of 18 en route to 31 points in addition to six boards and three steals. That's the most steals Clarkson has posted since back in January of 2024. Austin Fullmer was another key player, going 7 for 11 on his way to 15 points along with six assists and three steals.

Eastmark has traveled a rocky road recently having lost three of their last four matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 10-6 record this season. As for ALA - Queen Creek, the win (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 10-4.

Eastmark didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next contest, an 83-56 defeat against Mica Mountain on the 13th. As for ALA - Queen Creek, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next game, an 84-61 loss against Prescott on the 13th.