This season hasn't been kind to the Conemaugh Valley Blue Jays, who are still winless after their tenth game. They suffered a tough 61-37 loss at the hands of Blacklick Valley on Monday. While losing is never fun, Conemaugh Valley can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 643rd, while Blacklick Valley is ranked 182nd).
Despite the defeat, Conemaugh Valley saw an underclassman step up: Illyana Darcangelo scored 12 points. Darcangelo continues to roll, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played. Julia Stiffler was another key contributor, scoring six points.
Blacklick Valley got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Kristin Szymusiak out in front who dropped a double-double on 14 points and ten steals. Those ten steals set a new season-high mark for her. The team also got some help courtesy of Kaydence Killinger, who scored 16 points along with six rebounds and five steals.
Conemaugh Valley bumped their record down to 0-10 with that loss, which was their 15th straight on the road dating back to last season. Those losses could be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they only averaged 28.0 points per game. As for Blacklick Valley, their victory bumped their record up to 10-1.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Conemaugh Valley will take on West Shamokin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Blacklick Valley, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Shade at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Shade comes in still looking for their first win of the season.
