Basketball Recap: Cardinal Newman Comes Up Short

Cardinal Newman was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They took a blow against the Augusta Christian Lions, falling 67-39. While losing is never fun, the Cardinals can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 80th in South Carolina, while the Lions are ranked 11th in Georgia).

When it comes to explaining why Cardinal Newman lost, don't look at Luis Echevarria. Despite the final result, he went 8 of 19 en route to 18 points in addition to eight rebounds and five steals. Echevarria's evening made it three games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Santonia Young, who posted nine points and five boards.

Augusta Christian's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Ty Shine, who went 6 for 7 on his way to 16 points. Shine is on a roll when it comes to points, as he's now scored 15 or more in the last six games he's played. Another player making a difference was Aamere Tolbert, who made all 7 shots he took racking up 15 points.

Cardinal Newman's loss dropped their record down to 8-10. As for Augusta Christian, the victory (which was their 17th in a row) raised their record to 20-2.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Cardinal Newman will head out to take on Northside Christian Academy at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Northside Christian Academy is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 72.2 points per game this season. As for Augusta Christian, they will venture away from home to challenge Heathwood Hall Episcopal at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Heathwood Hall Episcopal is on a three-game streak of home wins, Augusta Christian a 13-game streak of away wins (dating back to last season)-- so someone will have to leave a streak behind on the court.