The Cypress Lake Panthers were the 64-32 winner over the Bishop Verot Vikings when they last played one another back in January of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. Cypress Lake fell 57-46 to the Vikings on Tuesday. While losing is never fun, Cypress Lake can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 354th, while the Vikings are ranked 107th).
Despite the defeat, Cypress Lake had strong showings from Obang Ochan, who scored 16 points along with seven rebounds and two steals, and Giordan Easely, who scored ten points along with four steals. Easely has been hot recently, having posted two or more steals the last nine times he's played.
Bishop Verot's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jerry Ashley, who dropped a double-double on 17 points and 12 rebounds. Ashley hasn't dropped below two blocks for eight straight games. Gavin Williams was another key contributor, scoring 14 points along with four steals.
Cypress Lake has been struggling recently as they've lost six of their last seven matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 9-12 record this season. As for Bishop Verot, they pushed their record up to 19-5 with that victory, which was their fourth straight at home.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Cypress Lake will take on the Wildcats at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. One thing working in Estero's favor is that they have posted big point totals in their last four contests. As for Bishop Verot, they will be playing at home against the Celtics at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.
