The Chestnut Ridge Lions were the 73-53 winner over the Bishop McCort Crushers when they last played one another back in February of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. Chestnut Ridge fell 52-44 to Bishop McCort on Friday. While losing is never fun, Chestnut Ridge can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 216th, while Bishop McCort is ranked 20th).
Chestnut Ridge's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Isabella Hillegass, who scored 20 points along with nine rebounds. Hillegass' trending in the right direction, as she's improved his point production for three games straight. The team also got some help courtesy of Ashlie Weaver, who scored ten points along with seven rebounds and five assists.
Leading Bishop McCort to victory were Cami Beppler and Gianna Gallucci. Beppler scored 17 points along with two steals, while Gallucci scored 21 points along with four steals. Gallucci is absolutely dominating the steal category: she's posted at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Elle Berkebile, who scored four points along with 12 assists and four steals.
Chestnut Ridge dropped their record down to 7-5 with that loss, which was their fourth straight on the road. Those losses could be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they only averaged 27.3 points per game. As for Bishop McCort, the victory for they keeps them at an undefeated 12-0.
Chestnut Ridge will be playing in front of their home fans against Central Cambria at 7:15 p.m. on Monday. Central Cambria has been dominant on offense recently, as they've racked up an incredible 170 points over their last three contests. As for Bishop McCort, they will head out on the road to challenge Bedford at 7:15 p.m. on Monday.
