Basketball Recap: Independence Comes Up Short

If Independence was feeling good fresh off their 63-17 takedown of Garces Memorial last Saturday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Independence Falcons took a blow against the Bakersfield Christian Eagles on Tuesday, falling 67-19. The Falcons haven't had much luck with the Eagles recently, as the team's come up short the last six times they've met.

When it comes to explaining why Independence lost, don't look at Nalia Deville. Despite the final result, she posted three points. Deville is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last three games she's played. Ayonis Killebrew also deserves some recognition as she posted her first block of the season.

Tia Nichols had an outrageously good game for Bakersfield Christian as she dropped a double-double on 18 points and 13 rebounds. What's more, Nichols also racked up four blocks, the most she's had since back in February of 2024. Ruby Yanagi was another key player, going 5 for 11 en route to 12 points and eight steals.

Independence's loss ended a four-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 9-8. As for Bakersfield Christian, they pushed their record up to 8-11 with the win, which was their eighth straight on the road dating back to last season.

Independence wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next contest, a 45-30 victory against Bakersfield on the 23rd. Bakersfield Christian has also already played their next matchup, an 81-26 win against Garces Memorial on the 23rd.