Basketball Recap: Jocelyn Ortega's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Sahuarita over Walden Grove

Sahuarita was the 67-13 winner over Walden Grove when they last played one another back in January of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Sahuarita Mustangs fell to the Walden Grove Red Wolves 53-49.

Sahuarita's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jocelyn Ortega, who posted 15 points and five boards. The dominant performance gave Ortega a new career-high in points. The team also got some help courtesy of Emma Benitez, who put up five points along with eight rebounds and five assists.

Even though they lost, Sahuarita smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive rebounds in four consecutive contests.

Sahuarita's defeat was their third straight at home, which dropped their record down to 7-10. As for Walden Grove, they have been performing well recently as they've won nine of their last 12 games, which provided a nice bump to their 12-6 record this season.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Sahuarita will venture away from home to square off against Amphitheater at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Amphitheater will roll in looking for their fifth straight victory, something Sahuarita surely won't give up without a fight. As for Walden Grove, they will head out on the road to take on Ironwood Ridge at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday.