The Independence Falcons waltzed into their contest on Friday with three straight wins but they left with four. They managed a 60-54 win over Bakersfield. That result was just more of the same for these two, as Independence also won the last time the pair played back in January of 2023.
Independence was led to victory by Ka'Rayah Robertson and Kaylynn Bolden. Robertson dropped a double-double on 11 points and 19 rebounds, while Bolden dropped a double-double on 20 points and 14 rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Robertson has scored all season. Another player making a difference was Josslyn Escobar, who scored 13 points along with two steals.
Bakersfield lost despite a true team effort on the offense, the best among them being Kalaya Miller, who scored 18 points along with eight assists and five steals. Miller is absolutely dominating the steal category: she's posted at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Julia Bautista was another key contributor, scoring eight points along with six assists and six rebounds.
Bakersfield struggled to get the ball back on offense and finished the game with only four offensive rebounds. They were crushed by their opponents in that department as Independence pulled down 19 offensive rebounds.
Independence's victory bumped their record up to 7-9. As for Bakersfield, they have traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost four of their last five matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 2-7 record this season.
Independence will be playing at home against Ridgeview at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Ridgeview is hoping to put an end to a four-game streak of away losses. As for Bakersfield, they will head out on the road to challenge Highland at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Highland comes in on a streak of failing to score more than 25 points in their last four games, a trend the squad is of course eager to reverse.
