After flying high against the Brea Olinda Wildcats last Saturday, the Sonora Raiders came back down to earth. Sonora's tough 57-36 loss to Buena Park on Tuesday might stick with them for a while. While losing is never fun, Sonora can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 324th, while Buena Park is ranked 76th).
Sonora's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Liana Hwang, who scored eight points along with four steals. Another player making a difference was Kiana Graham, who scored eight points along with three steals and two blocks.
Sonora struggled to work together and finished the game with only three assists. They were crushed by their opponents in that department as Buena Park racked up 11 assists.
Leading Buena Park to victory were Gloria Barrera and Alana White. Barrera scored 19 points along with nine rebounds and two steals, while White dropped a double-double on 16 points and 19 rebounds. Barrera also posted two blocks for the first time this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Bella Harmon, who dropped a double-double on ten points and 14 rebounds.
Sonora has traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost eight of their last ten contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 8-11 record this season. As for Buena Park, they pushed their record up to 11-7 with that win, which was their seventh straight at home.
Sonora will take on Fullerton at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Buena Park, they will head out on the road to challenge Troy at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
