Independence entered their match against Bakersfield on Thursday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. The Independence Falcons lost to the Bakersfield Drillers at home by a 59-45 margin. While losing is never fun, the Falcons can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 448th, while the Drillers are ranked 218th).
Loss or not, Independence got some senior leadership from Amarius Rowel and Xavier O'Neal. Rowel posted 19 points, while O'Neal had 12 points.
It was another big night for Kade Johnson, who went 9 of 14 en route to 21 points and six rebounds for Bakersfield. Another player making a difference was Darryll Cartwright, who went 5 for 7 on his way to 13 points.
Independence's defeat ended an eight-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 13-9. As for Bakersfield, they have been performing well recently as they've won six of their last eight contests, which provided a nice bump to their 16-8 record this season.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Independence will welcome Liberty at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Independence is facing Liberty at the right time seeing as Liberty is stuck on a three-game losing streak. As for Bakersfield, they will host Highland at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
