Basketball Recap: Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Takes a Tough Playoff Loss

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy and Sabino squared off in some playoff action on Monday, but Pusch Ridge Christian Academy had to settle for second. They took a 49-44 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Sabino Sabercats. That makes it the first time this season the Lions have let down their home crowd.

Noelle Sunukjian

Points

02/17/25 vs Sabino	15
02/11/25 @ San Carlos	5
02/01/25 vs Safford	4
01/27/25 @ Tanque Verde	2
01/25/25 @ Coolidge	12
+ 14 more games

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Noelle Sunukjian, who went 5-for-12 to rack up 15 points along with five boards and three blocks, and Nicole NJoroge, who posted 12 points and eight rebounds. Sunukjian continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Chloe Rogers, who put up four points and five steals.

Even though they lost, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive rebounds in eight consecutive matches.

Chayil Combs was her usual excellent self, going 9-for-14 en route to 23 points for Sabino. That's the most points Combs has posted since back in November of 2024. Jayda Haley was another key player, dropping a double-double with 13 points and 14 boards.

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy suffered their first home defeat, dropping their record down to 19-7. As for Sabino, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won seven of their last eight games, which provided a massive bump to their 18-10 record this season.

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Sabino, they will take on Payson at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Payson's defense has only allowed 28.6 points per game this season, so Sabino's offense will have their work cut out for them.