The Utica boys' basketball team faced a setback in their first conference game, losing to Watkins Memorial with a final score of 79-54.
The match was held on December 10 at Utica High School.
According to the game's records, Utica's standing shifted to 1-2, while Watkins balanced theirs to 1-1. By halftime, Utica trailed closely behind the Warriors with a score of 33-32. However, in the third quarter, Watkins intensified their offensive play, scoring twenty-one points compared to Utica's eight. Although Utica improved their performance in the fourth quarter by scoring fourteen points, it was insufficient to close the gap as the Warriors secured their victory.
Senior Kamden Hall emerged as a standout player for Utica, achieving a new single-game point record with sixteen points. Following him was senior Hunter McKinney with twelve points.
Other significant contributors included sophomores Sam Krueger and Holden Quinif, who scored nine and six points respectively.
