After a string of 11 wins, the Paint Branch Panthers's good fortune finally ran out on Thursday. They took a 57-48 hit to the loss column at the hands of Blake. The loss unfortunately continues a disappointing trend for Paint Branch in their matchups with Blake: they've now lost seven in a row.
Several Panthers players turned in solid performances, despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Ryan Tientcheu, who scored 13 points along with eight rebounds and three steals. Those 13 points set a new season-high mark for him. Jordan Horm was another key contributor, dropping a double-double on 12 points and 14 rebounds.
Paint Branch's loss ended a four-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 11-1. As for Blake, the victory (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 5-1.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Paint Branch will finish 2023 at home by hosting Governor Thomas Johnson at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The matchup should be an exciting one, as these teams are ranked near one another in Maryland (Governor Thomas Johnson is ranked 49th, while Paint Branch is ranked 47th). Blake will have some time to savor their victory since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Clarksburg at 7:15 p.m. on January 19, 2024.
