Basketball Recap: Dynamic Duo of Ryker Miller and Denver Nelson Lead Pathway Christian to Victory

Pathway Christian lost to Tri-State Christian back in January, but they didn't allow them the same satisfaction on Friday. The Pathway Christian Panthers came out on top in a nail-biter against the Tri-State Christian Huskies, sneaking past 42-40. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Panthers.

Pathway Christian was led to victory by Denver Nelson and Ryker Miller. Nelson went 5 for 12 on his way to 16 points and five steals, while Miller went 6 of 13 on his way to 13 points and five steals. That makes it three consecutive games in which Nelson has scored at least a third of Pathway Christian's points. The team also got some help courtesy of Preston Yutzy, who posted three points in addition to seven boards and seven steals.

Several Huskies players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Owen Reibling, who put up eight points along with 11 rebounds and eight steals. Reibling is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last seven games he's played dating back to last season. Nehemiah Smith was another key player, going 6 of 7 on his way to 12 points.

Pathway Christian's win bumped their record up to 2-4. As for Tri-State Christian, their loss dropped their record down to an identical 2-4.

Coincidentally, both will both be playing East Moline Christian the next time they take the court. Pathway Christian will head out to face East Moline Christian at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, while Tri-State Christian will head out to face them at 6:30 p.m. on January 7, 2025.