Basketball Recap: Sterlington Comes Up Short

Sterlington was the 74-37 winner over Bastrop when they last played one another back in January of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Sterlington Panthers lost 94-73 to the Bastrop Rams on Friday. That's two games in a row now that the Panthers have lost by exactly 21 points.

When it comes to explaining why Sterlington lost, don't look at Cooper Nelson. Despite the final result, he went 15 for 30 en route to 40 points and three steals. Nelson's evening made it eight games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. Gaven Evans was another key player, putting up 12 points and five rebounds.

Bastrop's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Samuel Davis led the charge by dropping a double-double on 23 points and 16 boards. Davis is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down ten or more in the last five games he's played. Another player making a difference was Antron Mason II, who went 6 of 14 on his way to 24 points along with eight assists and five boards.

Sterlington has traveled a rocky road recently having lost six of their last seven contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 11-14 record this season. That patch can't be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 61.7 points per game. As for Bastrop, the win (which was their seventh in a row) raised their record to 14-4.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Sterlington will face off against North Webster at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Sterlington is facing North Webster at the right time seeing as North Webster is stuck on a six-game losing streak. As for Bastrop, they will take on Richwood at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. One thing working in Bastrop's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last nine matchups.