Paxton and Cambridge Battle in a Pair of Close Games Saturday

On Saturday afternoon, January 3rd, 2026, Cambridge traveled to Paxton for a couple of games on the hardwood. Folks, these games did not disappoint as they were both close. Cambridge ended up winning each game, but like we said, they were tight matchups, and we saw some great hoops.

The boys game was first, and it took an overtime period, but Cambridge won 64-58. Paxton had everything going in the first half, scoring almost anytime they wanted. The Tigers led at halftime, 43-31.

In the third quarter, Cambridge's defense tightened up and held Paxton to two points, and it was 45-45 heading to the fourth quarter. Cambridge was up with about three minutes to go after a Hodge Raburn three-pointer made it 57-53 in favor of the Trojans. Paxton, though, battled back, and Tyler Markussen hit a shot late to tie things up at 57-57.

That was our score heading to OT.

In the OT period, Cambridge found success on offense and sealed the game

For Paxton, Tristen Hebblethwaite had 23 points, and Maddex McConnell added 21. Hebblethwaite had 13 rebounds, too. Chase Holm had five points, and Keegan Florom had seven.

Check out the Highlights from the Games!

Hodge Raburn was in attack mode and led Cambridge with 30 points. Brady Ahlemeyer had 12 points for the Trojans, too. Braxton Mitchell totaled eight points, Braydon Miller had four, and Maverick Webb had 10.

Cambridge is now 4-5 and will play at Southwest on Friday, January 9th. Paxton is now 5-4 and will play at home versus Leyton on Thursday, January 8th.

We visited with Maverick Webb of Cambridge after the game.

The girls game between the Trojans and the Tigers was an exciting one, too. Cambridge came out with the win, 57-52.

Paxton came out rolling in the game, leading 17-10. Cambridge climbed back in the game during the second quarter, and it was 22-20 at halftime. In the third quarter, both squads' offense got rolling, and Cambridge took a one-point lead going to the fourth, 42-41.

In the fourth, it looked like Paxton was potentially going to pull away in this one. Ella Fote hit a three-pointer with about five minutes to go. The Tigers led 49-44. Cambridge countered with their own 6-0 run to make it 50-49 with 3:50 to go in the game.

Cambridge clung to that lead, Mallory Springer hit three of four free throws late in the game, and Elisabeth Kubik made a late layup to secure the win.

Cambridge was led in scoring by Brooklyn Holtze with 18 points, and Mallory Springer had 16. Elisabeth Kubik had nine points, Joslyn Holtze had seven, and Aspen Webb scored three.

We visited with Mallory Springer after the game.

For Paxton, Ella Fote scored 18 points, Jaleigh Hansen had 15, Jakcee Mitchell had nine, and Reece Glinn and Marlee Gleason had five.

Cambridge is now 6-3 and will face Southwest on the road on Friday, January 9th. Paxton is now 6-3 and will play Leyton on Thursday, January 8th, at home.

Our Players of the Game From the Night.