Basketball Recap: Nehemiah Smith Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat Galesburg Christian

Tri-State Christian had to kick off their season on the road on Thursday, but they showed no ill effects. They enjoyed a cozy 55-36 win over the Galesburg Christian Lions. For the Huskies, this counts as revenge for the 59-55 victory the Lions walked away with the last time they faced one another back in January.

Tri-State Christian's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Nehemiah Smith led the charge by dropping a double-double with 18 points and 16 boards. Those 18 points gave Smith a new career-high. Jack Eells was another key player, going 11-for-18 on his way to 23 points.

Tri-State Christian was working as a unit and finished the game with 14 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Galesburg Christian only posted eight.

Several Lions players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Ryan Walker, who posted six points in addition to five rebounds and five blocks. Walker is crushing it when it comes to blocks: he's posted at least three every time he's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Malachi Barker, who put up 21 points and five boards.

Galesburg Christian is on a five-game losing streak (dating back to last season) that has dropped them down to 0-3.

Tri-State Christian has already played their next contest, a 54-41 win against Unity Christian on the 21st. As for Galesburg Christian, they also didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 54-36 loss against Varsity Opponent on the 21st.