The Laurel Highlands Mustangs's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Saturday after their fifth straight loss. They were beaten by Franklin Regional 74-43. While losing is never fun, Laurel Highlands can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 519th, while Franklin Regional is ranked 52nd).
Despite the loss, Laurel Highlands had strong showings from Ethan Koffler, who scored 15 points, and Aiden Black, who scored 12 points. The match was Koffler's third in a row with at least ten points.
Laurel Highlands has fallen quite a ways from their 25-4 record last season and are now at 2-8. As for Franklin Regional, the victory (which was their fourth in a row) raised their record to 8-1.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Laurel Highlands will challenge Elizabeth Forward at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. One thing working in Elizabeth Forward's favor is that they have posted big point totals in their last six matchups. Franklin Regional's road trip will continue as they head out to face Penn-Trafford at 7:30 p.m. on January 2nd. Penn-Trafford and Franklin Regional are at an even 5-5 over their past ten head-to-heads.
