Sunshine Bible Academy hasn't had much luck against Hitchcock-Tulare recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Sunshine Bible Academy Crusaders will face off against the Hitchcock-Tulare Patriots at 6:30 p.m.
Sunshine Bible Academy is headed into the contest out to prove that what happened against Highmore/Harrold on Tuesday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Sunshine Bible Academy took a blow against Highmore/Harrold, falling 48-17. The Crusaders were down 39-10 at the end of the third quarter, and things only got worse from there.
| 02/04/25 vs Highmore/Harrold | 4 |
| 01/31/25 vs Aberdeen Christian | 5 |
| 01/28/25 vs Wolsey-Wessington | 3 |
| 01/25/25 @ Leola/Frederick | 2 |
| 01/23/25 vs James Valley Christian | 3 |
Despite the loss, Sunshine Bible Academy saw an underclassman step up: freshman Ciera Mickelson posted three points along with six boards and four steals. Mickelson has been hot for a while, having posted two or more steals the last nine times she's played. Kalyn Sarchet also deserves some recognition as she pulled down her first rebound of the season.
Even though they lost, Sunshine Bible Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in 15 consecutive matches dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, Hitchcock-Tulare was fully in charge on Tuesday, breezing past James Valley Christian 43-10. The game marked the Patriots' most dominant victory of the season.
Sunshine Bible Academy better keep an eye on Cambree Hoekman. She was instrumental in Hitchcock-Tulare's win, putting up ten points and five steals. Another player making a difference was Katelyn Schroeder, who had nine points and three steals.
Hitchcock-Tulare's win bumped their record up to 6-9. As for Sunshine Bible Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-10.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Sunshine Bible Academy has been crashing the rebounds this season, having averaged 33 boards per game. However, it's not like Hitchcock-Tulare struggles in that department as they've been averaging 25.7 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Sunshine Bible Academy came up short against Hitchcock-Tulare in their previous matchup back in February of 2024, falling 61-49. Can Sunshine Bible Academy avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
