Basketball Recap: Clearwater Central Catholic Takes Loss Despite Strong Performances from Emme Dalhoff and Sophia Landen

Clearwater Central Catholic and Bell Creek Academy squared off in some playoff action on Thursday, but Clearwater Central Catholic had to settle for second. They came up short against the Bell Creek Academy Panthers, falling 77-57. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Marauders have suffered since February 14, 2024.

Emme Dalhoff

Rebounds

02/13/25 vs Bell Creek Academy	9
02/08/25 vs Northside Christian	5
02/06/25 vs Tampa Prep	3
01/31/25 vs Northside Christian	5
01/29/25 @ River Ridge	7
+ 11 more games

Clearwater Central Catholic's loss came despite strong showings from Sophia Landen and Emme Dalhoff. Landen went 10-for-21 en route to 26 points, while Dalhoff almost dropped a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds. That's the most boards Dalhoff has posted since back in December of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Julia Comfort, who had five points and three steals.

Even though they lost, Clearwater Central Catholic smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive boards in four consecutive matchups.

Leading Bell Creek Academy to victory were Natalia Long and Christyana Allen. Long earned 25 points in addition to five rebounds and three steals, while Allen dropped a double-double with 21 points and 11 boards. Long is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in each of the last 11 games she's played. Another player making a difference was Jaslyn Easley, who put up 12 points.

Clearwater Central Catholic's loss dropped their record down to 22-6. As for Bell Creek Academy, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 11 of their last 12 contests, which provided a nice bump to their 18-10 record this season.

Clearwater Central Catholic does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Bell Creek Academy, they will face off against Evangelical Christian at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Evangelical Christian will roll in looking for their eighth straight victory, something Bell Creek Academy surely won't give up without a fight.