This season hasn't been kind to the Hamilton Wildcats, who are still winless after their sixth match. They took a 53-48 hit to the loss column at the hands of Bluff City. While losing is never fun, Hamilton can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Tennessee basketball rankings (they are ranked 328th, while Bluff City is ranked 147th).
Bluff City's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Lakeva Applewhite led the charge by dropping a double-double on 22 points and 11 rebounds. That's the first time this season that Applewhite pulled down eight or more rebounds. Another player making a difference was Asya Wood, who dropped a double-double on 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Hamilton's defeat was their fourth straight at home dating back to last season, which bumped their record down to 0-6. As for Bluff City, the win (which was their fifth in a row) raised their record to 5-1.
Hamilton will be home for the holidays to greet First Assembly Christian at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Bluff City will have some time to savor their victory since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Freedom Prep Academy at 7:00 p.m. on January 5, 2024.
