The Erie Royals posted their closest win yet this season on Saturday. They narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Shaler Area 42-40. Given Erie's advantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 118th, while Shaler Area is ranked 300th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Erie's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Arianah Reap led the charge by dropping a double-double on 13 points and 11 rebounds. Reap hasn't dropped below eight rebounds for three straight games. Deaja Williams was another key contributor, scoring 12 points along with five rebounds.
Erie is on a roll lately: they've won seven of their last eight matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 11-4 record this season. As for Shaler Area, they are on a five-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 4-12.
Erie will face off against Butler at TBD on Monday. Shaler Area on the road again on Friday and play against North Hills at 6:00 p.m. on January 26th.
