Basketball Recap: Chezi Essel's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Arlington Christian over Bridge to Independence

Arlington Christian was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their sixth straight defeat. They received a blow as they fell 71-57 to the Bridge to Independence Wildcats.

Chezi Essel

Steals

02/26/25 vs Bridge to Independence	7
02/06/25 vs Creekside	5
01/17/25 @ Excel Christian Academy	5
01/13/25 @ Creekside Christian Academy	2
01/04/25 vs East Paulding	9
+ 12 more games

Several Arlington Christian players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Chezi Essel, who almost dropped a double-double with nine points and nine boards. Essel is also crushing it when it comes to steals: he's grabbed at least two every time he's taken the court this season. Donavan Willaims was another key player, putting up eight points along with six rebounds and six steals.

Even though they lost, Arlington Christian smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 16 consecutive games.

Bridge to Independence found their leader in sophomore Jaydan Jeantinord, who dropped a double-double with 21 points and 21 boards. That's the most rebounds Jeantinord has posted since back in January. Another player making a difference was Brock DAlessandro, who almost dropped a double-double with nine points and 15 assists.

Arlington Christian's loss dropped their record down to 11-6. As for Bridge to Independence, they are on a roll lately: they've won ten of their last 11 contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 21-6 record this season.

Arlington Christian wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next matchup, a 79-57 defeat against Pathways on the 27th. As for Bridge to Independence, they also didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 100-71 loss against Southland Christian on the 27th.