Basketball Recap: Chezi Essel's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Arlington Christian over Creekside

Arlington Christian entered their game against Creekside on Thursday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. Arlington Christian fell just short of the Creekside Seminoles by a score of 61-59. Arlington Christian's loss continues a trend for the team, making it five in a row.

Chezi Essel

Steals

02/06/25 vs Creekside	5
01/17/25 @ Excel Christian Academy	5
01/13/25 @ Creekside Christian Academy	2
01/04/25 vs East Paulding	9
12/30/24 vs Stephenson	8
+ 11 more games

Several Arlington Christian players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Chezi Essel, who posted 13 points along with eight rebounds and six assists. Essel is also crushing it when it comes to steals: he's grabbed at least two every time he's taken the court this season. Sean Jackson was another key player, going 5 of 7 to rack up 12 points.

Even though they lost, Arlington Christian smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in 15 consecutive matchups.

Creekside found their leader in sophomore Daylen Jones, who went 7 for 8 from beyond the arc en route to 41 points. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Jones has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of AJ McKissic, who put up nine points in addition to eight assists and five boards.

The defeat was their first at home , dropping their record down to 11-5. As for Creekside, their win ended a five-game drought on the road and puts them at 5-20.

Arlington Christian does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Creekside, they have already played their next contest, a 49-47 victory against Forest Park on the 8th.