Basketball Recap: Kiara Hardy's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Gerstell Academy over Notre Dame Prep

Gerstell Academy was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their eighth straight defeat. They took a 49-38 hit to the loss column at the hands of Notre Dame Prep. While losing is never fun, Gerstell Academy can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Maryland basketball rankings (they are ranked 167th, while Notre Dame Prep is ranked 32nd).

Gerstell Academy lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Kiara Hardy, who posted nine points along with five boards and four steals. Hardy is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last 11 games she's played. Summer Beaumont was another key player, putting up five points and 14 rebounds.

Even though they lost, Gerstell Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive rebounds. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their offensive board total in four consecutive matchups.

Gerstell Academy's loss dropped their record down to 3-14. As for Notre Dame Prep, their win was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 9-4.

Gerstell Academy will look to defend their home court on Friday against Maryvale Prep at 6:00 p.m. As for Notre Dame Prep, they will challenge St. Paul's Girls at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.