It was a good run, but the Gregory Gorillas unfortunately witnessed the end of their three-game winning streak on Thursday. They took a 42-34 hit to the loss column at the hands of Howard. The result shouldn't come as a shock considering that's the fewest points Gregory has scored all season.
When it comes to explaining why Gregory lost, one person who can't be blamed is Noah Bearshield. Despite the final result, he scored 20 points along with six rebounds. The match was Bearshield's third in a row with at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Cruz Klundt, who scored six points along with five rebounds.
Gregory's defeat dropped their record down to 3-2. As for Howard, the victory (which was their fourth in a row) raised their record to 4-1.
Gregory's road trip will continue as they head out to face Andes Central/Dakota Christian at 8:00 p.m. on January 2nd. Andes Central/Dakota Christian has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games. Howard will finish 2023 at home by hosting James Valley Christian at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday. James Valley Christian will have to bring their A-game into this one, as they are staring down a pretty big deficit in the MaxPreps South Dakota Rankings (they are ranked 89th, while Howard is ranked 21st).