The DeLand Bulldogs suffered their closest loss yet this season on Saturday. They fell just short of New Smyrna Beach by a score of 55-53. While losing is never fun, DeLand can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 403rd, while New Smyrna Beach is ranked 195th).
DeLand's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of James Rushing, who scored 13 points along with two steals, and Beegie Gordon who scored ten points along with seven assists. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Rushing has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Jahvari Campbell, who scored eight points along with six rebounds.
Leading New Smyrna Beach to victory were Lukas Parschauer and Josh Reik. Parschauer scored 20 points along with eight rebounds and four steals, while Reik scored 21 points along with five assists and three steals. Reik's trending in the right direction, as he's improved his point production for three games straight. Ray Knight was another key contributor, scoring five points along with two steals.
DeLand has traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost three of their last four games, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-10 record this season. As for New Smyrna Beach, the victory was the fourth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 15-4.
DeLand will get a bit of extra time to process the loss as their next game is a ways off. They'll take on Pine Ridge at 7:30 p.m. on February 1st. As for New Smyrna Beach, they will face off against Deltona at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
