Basketball Recap: Central Christian Takes Loss Despite Strong Performances from Jonathan Cook and Carter Patterson

Central Christian was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They were five points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 51-46 heartbreaker at the hands of the Trinity Christian School of Griffin LIONS. The Crusaders were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the LIONS earlier this season, when they won 69-67.

Central Christian's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Carter Patterson, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and 14 boards, and Jonathan Cook, who went 5 of 10 on his way to 12 points and seven boards. Those 14 rebounds gave Patterson a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Lukas Crane, who posted nine points.

Even though they lost, Central Christian smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive boards they've managed all season.

Trinity Christian School of Griffin got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Israel Lockridge out in front who had 11 points along with seven boards and six assists. Lockridge is also crushing it when it comes to steals: he's grabbed at least five every time he's taken the court this season. Jeremiah Greene was another key player, putting up 13 points along with five rebounds and four steals.

Central Christian's defeat dropped their record down to 3-8. As for Trinity Christian School of Griffin, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-2.

Central Christian will have a little extra prep time after the loss as they won't be playing again for a while. They'll take on Arnold at 4:30 p.m. on January 5, 2025. As for Trinity Christian School of Griffin, they didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next matchup, a 79-36 win against Skipstone Academy on the 14th.