Basketball Recap: Everglades Takes Loss Despite Strong Efforts from Chris Payoutte and Lance Bailey, Jr

If Everglades was riding high fresh off their 84-38 takedown of Pompano Beach last Friday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Everglades Gators might have been a little too into the holiday spirit, gifting the Coral Glades Jaguars an easy 68-42 victory. The matchup marked the Gators' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Lance Bailey, Jr and Chris Payoutte certainly did their best on Monday to avoid the loss. Bailey, Jr posted nine points in addition to five rebounds and three steals, while Payoutte had 11 points. Bailey, Jr is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last three games he's played. Another player making a difference was Dekotah Pierre-Johnson, who put up seven points.

Coral Glades found their leader in sophomore Gavin Reed, who went 8 of 14 on his way to 22 points in addition to five assists and three steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Anthony Valdes, who went 5 for 10 on his way to 13 points.

Everglades' defeat dropped their record down to 5-5. As for Coral Glades, their win was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 7-3.

Everglades didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next contest, a 69-31 victory against Nova on the 18th. As for Coral Glades, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next match, a 71-61 win against St. Paul on the 18th.