Basketball Game Preview: Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Lions vs. Tanque Verde Hawks

The Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Lions will challenge the Tanque Verde Hawks at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Given that both suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this game.

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy is probably headed into the match with a chip on their shoulder considering Coolidge just ended the team's six-game winning streak on Saturday. They fell 47-40 to the Bears. The loss was a bit of a surprise, as the Lions came into the contest with a sizable advantage in MaxPreps' Arizona basketball rankings (they are ranked 28th, while the Bears are ranked 110th).

Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Noelle Sunukjian, who posted 12 points and seven boards. She is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last three games she's played. Nicole NJoroge was another key player, putting up 11 points in addition to six steals and five rebounds.

Even though they lost, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 11 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive rebounds in three consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Tanque Verde had to suffer through a 71-20 loss at the hands of Sabino. The Hawks haven't had much luck with the Sabercats recently, as the team's come up short the last eight times they've met.

Tanque Verde's defeat was their first in the region, dropping their region record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 3-10. As for Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, their loss ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 16-5.

Everything came up roses for Pusch Ridge Christian Academy against Tanque Verde in their previous meeting back in January of 2024, as the team secured a 62-17 victory. In that match, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy amassed a halftime lead of 35-11, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Monday.