Basketball Recap: Thunderridge Comes Up Short in High-Profile Matchup with Chaparral

On Saturday, ThunderRidge faced Chaparral in a battle between two of the state's top teams. The ThunderRidge Grizzlies took a 68-60 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Chaparral Wolverines. The Grizzlies haven't had much luck with the Wolverines recently, as the team's come up short the last three times they've met.

ThunderRidge's loss came despite strong showings from Sam Walkowiak and Drew Paine. Walkowiak posted nine points in addition to seven assists and five rebounds, while Paine went 5 of 9 on his way to 13 points and eight rebounds. Paine is crushing it when it comes to boards: he's pulled down at least eight every time he's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Kael Carney, who had 11 points.

Chaparral found their leader in sophomore Luke Howery, who went 10 of 21 on his way to 25 points along with five rebounds and three blocks. Those three blocks set a new season-high mark for Howery. Champ Spears was another key player, putting up 11 points.

Having lost for the first time this season, ThunderRidge fell to 4-1. As for Chaparral, the win keeps them at an undefeated 5-0.

ThunderRidge wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next contest, a 75-47 defeat against Liberty on the 18th. As for Chaparral, they will be taking part in a tournament against Carlmont at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. One thing working in Chaparral's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points every time they've taken the court this season.