While Ogden International couldn't quite beat the Crane Medical Cougars on Wednesday, the two-point margin was a huge improvement compared to the 24-point defeat they were dealt last Monday. Ogden International fell just short of Crane Medical by a score of 66-64. While losing is never fun, Ogden International can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 426th, while Crane Medical is ranked 193rd).
Ogden International's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Alonte' Reynolds, who scored 25 points. That was a full 39.1% of Ogden International's points, marking the fifth time in a row he's earned more than a third of the team's points. Deshawn Perry-Tucker was another key contributor, scoring 16 points.
Crane Medical's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was LaVelle Hardy, who dropped a double-double on 19 points and 11 rebounds. That's the first time this season that Hardy scored 15 or more points. The team also got some help courtesy of Brad Blackman, who scored nine points along with 12 rebounds and five blocks.
Ogden International has not been sharp recently, as they've lost five of their last six contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 11-12 record this season. As for Crane Medical, the victory was the fourth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 15-7.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Ogden International will get a bit of extra time to process the loss as their next game is a ways off. They'll take on Kaneland at 5:00 p.m. on February 14th. As for Crane Medical, they will head out on the road to challenge Clemente at 6:30 p.m. on Monday.
