Basketball Recap: Emmanuel Christian Comes Up Short

If Emmanuel Christian was riding high fresh off their 29-7 takedown of Sumter Christian last Friday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Emmanuel Christian Crusaders took a 44-27 bruising from the Shining Light Baptist Academy Sharks on Tuesday. The loss was a bit of a surprise, as the Crusaders came into the matchup with a sizable advantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 277th in South Carolina, while the Sharks are ranked 584th in North Carolina).

Aubrey Hoffman

Steals

02/04/25 @ Shining Light Baptist Academy	5
01/31/25 vs Sumter Christian	8
01/28/25 @ Calvary Christian	6
01/27/25 vs Varsity Opponent	3
01/24/25 vs Christ the Cornerstone Academy	3

Despite the defeat, Emmanuel Christian saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Aubrey Hoffman dropped a double-double on 12 points and 14 boards. Hoffman is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed three or more in the last 12 games she's played. Gabbi Crowley was another key player, putting up two points and 13 rebounds.

Even though they lost, Emmanuel Christian smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 12 offensive boards in seven consecutive games.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Shining Light Baptist Academy to victory, but perhaps none more so than Rachel Nava-Gonzalez, who went 6 for 11 on her way to 12 points and three steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Chelsea Murray, who went 9 of 19 en route to 18 points.

Emmanuel Christian's loss was their fourth straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 4-12. As for Shining Light Baptist Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 3-9.

Emmanuel Christian does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Shining Light Baptist Academy, they will head out on the road to square off against Mountain View Christian Academy at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.