The Chico Panthers waltzed into their matchup on Thursday with eight straight wins but they left with nine. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat Red Bluff 59-31 at home. Given Chico's advantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 97th, while the Spartans are ranked 571st), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Chico had a senior duo take command as Taylee Clements almost dropped a double-double on 19 points and nine steals and Rayen Letner scored 17 points along with seven rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Letner has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Aleah Cook, who scored eight points along with seven rebounds and three steals.
Chico has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won ten of their last 11 contests, which provided a nice bump to their 18-7 record this season. As for Red Bluff, they are on a eight-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 8-16.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Chico will take on the Cougars at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Hopefully Foothill focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 11 on Thursday. As for Red Bluff, they will look to defend their home court on Tuesday against the Hornets at 7:30 p.m. Enterprise is no doubt hoping to put an end to a four-game streak of away losses.
