The Lemon Bay Manta Rays pushed their score all the way to 58 on Friday, but even that wasn't enough to win. They took a 69-58 hit to the loss column at the hands of Parrish Community. While losing is never fun, Lemon Bay can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 237th, while Parrish Community is ranked 94th).
Despite the loss, Lemon Bay still got an impressive performance from Maya Collins, who scored 21 points along with nine steals and six assists. That was a full 36.2% of Lemon Bay's points, marking the eighth time in a row she's earned more than a third of the team's points. The team also got some help courtesy of Mackenzie Long, who scored 16 points.
Parrish Community's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Mary Portwood, who dropped a triple-double on 14 points, ten rebounds, and 12 assists. That's the first time this season that Portwood posted eight or more assists. Another player making a difference was Sarah Decker, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Lemon Bay's defeat dropped their record down to 7-9. As for Parrish Community, their victory bumped their record up to 11-5.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Lemon Bay will take on Naples at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. As for Parrish Community, they will be playing at home against Lakewood Ranch at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Lakewood Ranch is coming into the match on a three-game losing streak.
