If the Harmony Area Owls were feeling good off their 75-52 takedown of the Purchase Line Red Dragons last Monday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. Harmony Area fell 77-66 to West Branch on Monday. While losing is never fun, Harmony Area can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 670th, while West Branch is ranked 208th).
When it comes to explaining why Harmony Area lost, one person who can't be blamed is Jack Bracken. Despite the final result, he dropped a double-double on 31 points and 14 rebounds. That was a full 47% of Harmony Area's points, marking the ninth time in a row he's earned more than a third of the team's points. Brady Hagens was another key contributor, scoring 12 points along with three steals.
Even though they lost, Harmony Area were working as a unit and finished the game with 16 assists. That's the most assists they've managed all season.
Harmony Area has traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost eight of their last nine matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 3-13 record this season. As for West Branch, their victory bumped their record up to 16-2.
Harmony Area will head out on the road to square off against Moshannon Valley at 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday. As for West Branch, they will look to defend their home court on Friday against Curwensville at 7:00 p.m.
