The Gretna Dragons pushed their score all the way to 60 on Thursday, but even that wasn't enough to win. They fell just short of Bellevue East by a score of 63-60. While losing is never fun, Gretna can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska basketball rankings (they are ranked 153rd, while Bellevue East is ranked 50th).
Several Dragons players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Alexis Cerone, who scored 14 points. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Cerone has scored all season. Another player making a difference was Maggie Miller, who scored 13 points.
Bellevue East's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was TNiyah Wilson-Smith, who scored 21 points along with two steals. Wilson-Smith is on a roll when it comes to points, as she's now scored 16 or more in the last three games she's played. Brani Jackson was another key contributor, scoring 18 points along with two steals.
Gretna has not been sharp recently as the team has lost 12 of their last 14 contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-16 record this season. As for Bellevue East, the win (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 14-7.
Gretna will be playing in front of their home fans against Bellevue West at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Averaging 63 points so far this season, Bellevue West's high-powered offense has been in full-swing lately, so Gretna better be ready for a challenge. As for Bellevue East, they will be playing at home against Omaha Westside at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Bellevue East is coming into the matchup with four straight wins at home, so Omaha Westside is out to stop a team with plenty of momentum.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
