The South Medford Panthers's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Wednesday after their third straight loss. They were beaten by Smoky Hill 78-45. While losing is never fun, South Medford can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps's basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 142nd in Oregon, while Smoky Hill is ranked 25th in Colorado).
It was another big night for Carter Basquez, who scored 20 points along with five rebounds and four steals for Smoky Hill. Those 20 points set a new season-high mark for him. Another player making a difference was Kevin Sylla, who scored 14 points along with eight rebounds.
South Medford has fallen quite a ways from their 18-5 record last season and are now at 1-3. As for Smoky Hill, they are on a roll lately: they've won six of their last seven contests, which provided a nice bump to their 7-3 record this season.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. South Medford will be home for the holidays to greet Benson Tech at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Smoky Hill will have some time to savor their victory since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on DSST: Green Valley Ranch at 5:30 p.m. on January 5, 2024. DSST: Green Valley Ranch is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt want to keep things rolling.
