The Valley Vikings's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Wednesday after their fourth straight loss. They were just a bucket shy of victory and fell 35-34 to Florin. Valley was given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Panthers apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in January.
Despite the loss, Valley saw an underclassman step up: Jordyn Gibson scored 23 points. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Gibson has scored all season. Ximena Ramirez was another key contributor, scoring five points.
Florin found their leader in underclassman Zavanna Payne, who dropped a double-double on 14 points and ten rebounds. Payne is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as she's now pulled down ten or more in the last four games she's played. Another player making a difference was Megan Sherman, who scored eight points along with six rebounds and five steals.
Valley has been struggling recently as they've lost six of their last seven matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-19 record this season. As for Florin, their victory ended a 13-game drought on the road and puts them at 1-19.
Valley will be playing at home against the Lancers at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Florin, they will head out on the road to challenge the Nighthawks at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Natomas will be looking to extend their current four-game winning streak.