Basketball Recap: Lorena Helmuth's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Pathway Christian over Morning Star Academy

Pathway Christian lost against Morning Star Academy back in January and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Tuesday. The Panthers fell 46-38 to the Mustangs. While losing is never fun, the Panthers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Iowa basketball rankings (they are ranked 491st, while the Mustangs are ranked 96th).

Pathway Christian's loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Lorena Helmuth, who posted seven points in addition to seven rebounds and three steals. Maggie Shetler was another key player, putting up 12 points and eight boards.

Morning Star Academy was led to victory by Addison Smith and Violet Jewell. Smith shot 47% from the field to rack up 19 points and eight rebounds, while Jewell dropped a double-double with 18 points and 14 boards. Those 19 points gave Smith a new career-high. Angelina Kobernat also deserves some recognition as she posted her first assist of the season.

Pathway Christian's defeat dropped their record down to 1-4. As for Morning Star Academy, their victory was their sixth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 6-0.

We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Pathway Christian will square off against rival Coram Deo Academy at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Morning Star Academy is set to take on their familiar foe Faith Christian at 5:00 p.m. on January 6, 2026.