The Purchase Line Red Dragons pushed their score all the way to 58 on Wednesday, but even that wasn't enough to win. They took a 67-58 hit to the loss column at the hands of Blacklick Valley. While losing is never fun, Purchase Line can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 473rd, while Blacklick Valley is ranked 182nd).
Purchase Line's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Bella Cessna, who scored 15 points along with five rebounds. That's the first time this season that Cessna scored 15 or more points. The team also got some help courtesy of Anna Layden, who dropped a double-double on ten points and 14 rebounds.
It was another big night for Kristin Szymusiak, who scored 31 points along with seven rebounds and six assists for Blacklick Valley. Those 31 points set a new season-high mark for her. Another player making a difference was Kaydence Killinger, who scored nine points along with ten rebounds and seven steals.
Purchase Line's defeat was their fourth straight on the road, which bumped their record down to 2-6. As for Blacklick Valley, the victory for they keeps them at an undefeated 9-0.
Purchase Line will be playing in front of their home fans against West Shamokin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. West Shamokin is still on the hunt for that elusive first 'W'. As for Blacklick Valley, they will head out on the road to face off against Windber at 6:00 p.m. on January 4th. Hopefully Windber focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 19 on Friday.
