Basketball Recap: Hayden Takes Loss Despite Strong Efforts from Mario Hong and Paul Gaither

Hayden was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their sixth straight loss. They fell 61-49 to The Gregory School Hawks. If the Lobos were looking for revenge after losing 64-44 to them when the teams met, then they'll just have to keep looking.

Hayden's loss came despite strong showings from Paul Gaither and Mario Hong. Gaither went 6 of 11 en route to 16 points and six rebounds, while Hong went 6 of 10 on his way to 13 points along with seven rebounds and four steals. Gaither is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last three games he's played. JJ Manriquez was another key player, putting up nine points and three steals.

Even though they lost, Hayden smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in three consecutive matchups.

Hayden's defeat dropped their record down to 5-9. As for The Gregory School, their victory bumped their record up to 9-7.

Hayden wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next game, an 86-25 win against San Simon on the 11th. As for The Gregory School, they will take on Cicero Prep Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Gregory School knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 55 points or more in their past three contests -- so hopefully Cicero Prep Academy likes a good challenge.