Ogden International suffered their closest loss yet this season on Wednesday. They fell just short of Crane Medical by a score of 66-64. While losing is never fun, Ogden International can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 426th, while Crane Medical is ranked 193rd).
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Crane Medical to victory, but perhaps none more so than LaVelle Hardy, who dropped a double-double on 19 points and 11 rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Hardy has scored all season. Brad Blackman was another key contributor, scoring nine points along with 12 rebounds and five blocks.
Ogden International has traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost five of their last six contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 11-12 record this season. As for Crane Medical, the victory (which was their fourth in a row) raised their record to 15-7.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Ogden International will get a bit of extra time to process the loss as their next game is a ways off. They'll take on Kaneland at 5:00 p.m. on February 14th. As for Crane Medical, they will head out on the road to face off against Clemente at 6:30 p.m. on Monday.
