Even though the Hughesville Spartans have not done well against the Bloomsburg Panthers recently (they were 0-9 in their previous nine matchups), they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. Hughesville walked away with a 50-39 win over Bloomsburg. Given Hughesville's advantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 65th, while Bloomsburg is ranked 286th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Hughesville found their leader in underclassman Maddie Smith, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and 13 rebounds. Smith hasn't dropped below two steals for four straight games. The team also got some help courtesy of Alli Anstadt, who scored eight points along with nine rebounds and two steals.
Bloomsburg's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Bella Pistoia, who scored 15 points along with eight rebounds, and Brynna Zentner who scored 14 points along with five rebounds and three steals. That's the first time this season that Pistoia scored 15 or more points. Another player making a difference was Maddy Devine, who scored six points.
Hughesville's victory bumped their record up to 11-2. As for Bloomsburg, they have traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost six of their last seven contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 7-7 record this season.
Hughesville will take on Mount Carmel at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. As for Bloomsburg, they will be playing at home against Warrior Run at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
