Basketball Recap: Abuna Ruop Key Part of Team Effort in Ambassadors Win

It's playoff time, and Norfolk Christian had no trouble coming through when it counted. They walked away with a 65-55 win over the Steward Spartans on Friday. The victory continues a trend for the Ambassadors in their matchups with the Spartans: they've now won four in a row.

Abuna Ruop

Blocked Shots

02/28/25 vs Steward	5
02/26/25 vs Miller School of Albemarle	3
02/23/25 vs Catholic	4
02/22/25 vs Steward	2
02/18/25 vs Nansemond-Suffolk Academy	5
+ 9 more games

Norfolk Christian's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Abuna Ruop, who dropped a double-double with 16 points and 18 rebounds. Ruop is also on a roll when it comes to blocks, as she's now posted two or more in each of the last 14 games she's played. Another player making a difference was Keira Kilkenny, who went 6-for-13 to rack up 19 points and eight boards.

Norfolk Christian smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards in 11 consecutive contests.

Steward's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Hali Harris, who posted 14 points and eight rebounds. That's the most boards Harris has posted since back in December of 2024. Lilly Thoman was another key player, putting up nine points along with eight assists and seven rebounds.

Norfolk Christian's win bumped their record up to 24-2. As for Steward, their loss dropped their record down to 18-12.

Norfolk Christian has already played their next matchup, a 62-56 defeat against Virginia Academy on the 1st. Steward does not have any more games scheduled as of now.