This season hasn't been kind to the Tarpon Springs Spongers, who are still winless after their eighth matchup. They took a serious blow against Gulf on Thursday, falling 52-22. While losing is never fun, Tarpon Springs can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 623rd, while Gulf is ranked 201st).
Despite the loss, Tarpon Springs still got an impressive performance from Hailey Johnson, who scored nine points along with six rebounds. Those six rebounds set a new season-high mark for her. The team also got some help courtesy of Emily Cartier, who scored four points along with 14 rebounds and eight blocks.
Brenniyah Hall was the offensive standout of the matchup as she scored 12 points along with seven steals and six rebounds. Hall is absolutely dominating the steal category: she's posted at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Ariana Rodriguez was another key contributor, scoring ten points along with eight rebounds and five steals.
Tarpon Springs bumped their record down to 0-8 with that loss, which was their 11th straight at home dating back to last season. As for Gulf, the win (which was their fifth in a row) raised their record to 5-1.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Tarpon Springs' homestand continues as they prepare to take on Palm Harbor University at 7:30 p.m. on December 21st. Gulf won't have much time to rest: their next contest is against East Lake at 6:30 p.m. on December 15th.
