Basketball Recap: McClatchy Comes Up Short

McClatchy suffered their biggest defeat since December 6, 2024 on Wednesday. They came up short against the Destiny Christian Academy Lions, falling 78-55. While losing is never fun, McClatchy can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 372nd, while Destiny Christian Academy is ranked 101st).

Despite the loss, McClatchy still got an impressive performance from Nehemiah Miller, who posted 21 points and six boards. Those 21 points gave Miller a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Xavier Payne, who earned seven points.

Jephte Tambala went supernova for Destiny Christian Academy, almost dropping a double-double on 21 points and nine rebounds. Jaylen Valdez was another key player, putting up 15 points along with five assists and three steals.

McClatchy dropped their record down to 11-7 with the loss, which was their third straight at home. As for Destiny Christian Academy, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven contests, which provided a massive bump to their 11-9 record this season.

A feisty cat fight is on tap when the McClatchy Lions face off against the Kennedy Cougars at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Kennedy has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games. As for Destiny Christian Academy, they will challenge Grant at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Destiny Christian Academy is coming into the match hot, having won their last four games.