Basketball Recap: Jemell Smith's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Cristo Rey over Banner Christian

Cristo Rey was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their ninth straight defeat. They were two points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 59-57 heartbreaker at the hands of Banner Christian. The Royals were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as Banner Christian apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in January of 2023.

Several Royals players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Jemell Smith, who posted 17 points. Another player making a difference was Jab Scott, who earned 16 points.

Cristo Rey's defeat dropped their record down to 0-9. As for Banner Christian, the win got them back to even at 3-3.

Cristo Rey and Hopewell will round out the year against one another at at 7:00 p.m. on December 27th. One thing working in Hopewell's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points every time they've taken the court this season. As for Banner Christian, they will square off against Lunenburg Central at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. Lunenburg Central knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with 55 points or more in their past five matches -- so hopefully Banner Christian likes a good challenge.