The Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Lions will take on the Rincon/University Rangers in a tournament on Friday. Pusch Ridge Christian Academy is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy is headed into the matchup after thoroughly thrashing Seton Catholic: they outscored them in every quarter. Pusch Ridge Christian Academy was the clear victor by a 51-29 margin over Seton Catholic two weeks ago. The Lions have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won four games by 22 points or more this season.
| 12/10/24 @ Seton Catholic | 6 |
| 12/06/24 @ Gilbert Christian | 3 |
| 12/04/24 vs Amphitheater | 2 |
| 11/30/24 vs West Point | 4 |
| 11/30/24 vs Window Rock | 1 |
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy found their leader in sophomore Noelle Sunukjian, who dropped a double-double on 17 points and ten rebounds. With that strong performance, Sunukjian is now averaging an impressive 2.2 steals per game. The team also got some help courtesy of Nicole NJoroge, who went 7 of 13 on her way to 17 points.
Meanwhile, Rincon/University earned a 38-31 win over Sahuarita last Monday.
Rincon/University's win came from a few key players Pusch Ridge Christian Academy will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Leila O'Dowd, who dropped a double-double on 18 points and ten boards. The contest was her fourth in a row with at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Daphne Safo, who almost dropped a double-double on nine points and 14 boards.
Rincon/University smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards in 23 consecutive matchups dating back to last season.
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy pushed their record up to 9-0 with the victory, which was their ninth straight on the road dating back to last season. Those victories came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 56.8 points per game. As for Rincon/University, their win ended a five-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 7-4.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Pusch Ridge Christian Academy has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 27 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Rincon/University struggles in that department as they've been averaging 37.3 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy came out on top in a nail-biter against Rincon/University in their previous matchup back in December of 2016, sneaking past 33-31. Does Pusch Ridge Christian Academy have another victory up their sleeve, or will Rincon/University turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
