The Burbank Bulldogs came tearing into Wednesday's match with 12 straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 27.3 points) and they left with even more momentum. Couldn't have asked for a better start to 2024 than the 66-29 blowout they got at home against Highlands. Considering Burbank has won 12 contests by more than 20 points this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Zara'nique Nealy was her usual excellent self, dropping a triple-double on 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 steals. The game was her sixth in a row with at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Olivia De la cruz, who scored nine points along with 12 rebounds and four steals.
Despite the defeat, Highlands had strong showings from Arianna Vazquez, who scored nine points, and Elaya Walker, who scored two points along with six rebounds. Vazquez has been hot recently, having posted two or more steals the last five times she's played.
Burbank's win was their tenth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 19-6. Those victories were due in large part to their offensive dominance across that stretch, as they averaged 65.9 points per game. As for Highlands, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-21.
Burbank will head out on the road to face off against MacArthur at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. MacArthur is coming into the match hot, having won their last eight games. As for Highlands, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Alamo Heights at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Alamo Heights presents a significant challenge as they come into the match much higher ranked than Highlands in Texas (Alamo Heights is ranked 247th, while Highlands is ranked 1090th).
