The Armstrong River Hawks's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Friday after their third straight loss. They fell 73-62 to Shaler Area. While losing is never fun, Armstrong can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 197th, while Shaler Area is ranked fifth).
Armstrong lost despite a true team effort on the offense, the best among them being Jacob Szep, who scored 16 points. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Szep has scored all season. Isaiah Riggle was another key contributor, scoring 19 points.
Armstrong struggled to get the ball back on offense and finished the game with only two offensive rebounds. That's the fewest offensive rebounds they've managed all season.
Armstrong's loss dropped their record down to 8-6. As for Shaler Area, the win makes it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 13-1.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Armstrong will take on Knoch at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. As for Shaler Area, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Fox Chapel at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Fox Chapel will be looking to extend their current five-game winning streak.
