The Le Mars Bulldogs pushed their score all the way to 60 on Thursday, but even that wasn't enough to win. The game between them and Jefferson wasn't particularly close, with Le Mars falling 76-60. While losing is never fun, Le Mars can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Iowa basketball rankings (they are ranked 162nd, while the Yellowjackets are ranked 41st).
Jefferson got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Jayden Calabro out in front who scored 23 points along with three steals. Calabro has been hot recently, having posted 18 or more points the last three times he's played. Another player making a difference was Jordan Dewaele, who dropped a double-double on 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Le Mars has not been sharp recently as the team's lost five of their last six matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-12 record this season. As for Jefferson, they are on a roll lately: they've won eight of their last nine games, which provided a nice bump to their 14-3 record this season.
Le Mars won't have much time to rest: their next matchup is against the Wolverines at 7:00 p.m. on February 2nd. Sioux City West has now lost eight straight, and the team is hunting for their first win since December 14. As for Jefferson, they will be playing in front of their home fans against the Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Le Mars is no doubt hoping to put an end to a four-game streak of away losses.
