Basketball Preview: Community Christian Warriors vs. Joshua Christian Knights
Community Christian has enjoyed a three-game homestand but will soon have to dust off their road jerseys. They will face off against the Joshua Christian Knights at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Hopefully Community Christian focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 15 on Tuesday.
Last Tuesday, Community Christian was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 44-38 to the Knights. While losing is never fun, Community Christian can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Texas basketball rankings (they are ranked 1274th, while the Knights are ranked 612th).
The losing side was boosted by Olivia Buchanan, who almost dropped a double-double on nine rebounds and ten steals. She has been hot recently, having posted three or more steals the last five times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Kendal Gil, who scored 14 points along with four steals.
Meanwhile, Joshua Christian scored the most points they've had all season to find success on Thursday. They claimed a resounding 69-14 victory over Methodist Children's Home on the road. That looming 69-14 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for Joshua Christian yet this season.
Joshua Christian can attribute much of their success to Macey Kiser, who scored 28 points along with eight rebounds and five assists, and Riley Hanks, who dropped a double-double on 24 points and ten steals. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Hanks has scored all season. Addyson Archer was another key contributor, scoring seven points along with three blocks.
Community Christian's loss dropped their record down to 4-13. As for Joshua Christian, the victory (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 11-5.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Community Christian have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 32.2 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Joshua Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging 30.3 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Community Christian took their victory against the Knights in their previous meeting back in January by a conclusive 58-37. The rematch might be a little tougher for Community Christian since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
