Basketball Recap: Abigail Pietz Key Part of a Team Effort in Indians Win

Marysville won the last time they faced Center and things went their way on Monday too. The Marysville Indians took down the Center Cougars 54-35. Given the Indians' advantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 237th, while the Cougars are ranked 996th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Marysville got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Abigail Pietz out in front who went 8 for 18 en route to 22 points in addition to eight boards and eight steals. Pietz is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed three or more in the last 50 games she's played dating back to last season. The team also got some help courtesy of Folaiula Sagapolutele, who dropped a double-double on 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Marysville smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 52 consecutive matchups dating back to last season.

Several Cougars players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Reniaya Applin, who posted six points along with five boards and four steals. Another player making a difference was Laylarae Blake, who went 5 of 10 on her way to 10 points.

Marysville has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven games, which provided a nice bump to their 18-6 record this season. Those victories came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 66.1 points per game. As for Center, they have been struggling recently as they've lost seven of their last nine contests, which is still a better percentage than their 5-20 record this season.

Marysville will challenge Colfax at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Marysville is on a seven-game streak of home wins, Colfax a seven-game streak of away wins -- so someone will have to leave a streak behind on the court. As for Center, they will face off against Oakmont at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.