The boys basketball team at West Sedona School continued to struggle Thursday, Dec. 8, dropping another close game, this time to Oak Creek School, 39-32.

It is the third straight loss for longtime West Sedona Head Coach Pedro Ortega Sr. and his boys. It’s the Wildcats’ second loss of eight points or fewer this season.

“We’re still trying to figure things out. I’m having a hard time with it because we’ve got some kids missing from our team due to eligibility issues,” Ortega said.

The Wildcats were without three young players Thursday in the 39-32 loss to Oak Creek, a trend that began three weeks ago for Ortega.

After a 44-26 victory over Mayer Middle School on Nov. 17, the Wildcats have missed out on three players’ services in the last three games, all of which ended in losses. Ortega declined to name the players.

West Sedona lost to Camp Verde Middle School on Nov. 29, 32-24, and to Clarkdale-Jerome School on Dec. 1, 51-31.

In the 39-32 loss to Oak Creek on Thursday, the Wildcats were led by eighth-grader Bailey Ehrlich who had 10 points while eighth-grader Alex Kanning had four points and 12 rebounds.

Seventh-grader Dawson Stevenson had seven points while sixth-grade guard Michael Ortega had seven points in the defeat.

With the loss, West Sedona drops its regular season record to 1-4 overall this year.

“We’re slow moving right now. Hopefully, we can get things back on track and be ready for the tournament,” Pedro Ortega Sr. said.

The Wildcats were in action Tuesday, Dec. 13, as they played host to Beaver Creek School. Results were unavailable at press time.

Next up, West Sedona is scheduled to travel to Mayer on Thursday, Dec. 15. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.