Basketball Recap: Crete Takes a Loss

Cardinals

Previous 5 Games

12/30/25 vs Skutt Catholic	36-68
12/29/25 vs Maryville	48-41
12/20/25 vs Mount Michael Benedictine	63-52
12/19/25 @ Seward	60-47
12/12/25 @ Northwest	52-63

Crete dropped down to 5-3 on Tuesday, ending the team's three-game streak of wins. They took a blow against the Skutt Catholic SkyHawks, falling 68-36. While losing is never fun, the Cardinals can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska basketball rankings (they are ranked 82nd, while the SkyHawks are ranked 18th).

Despite the defeat, Crete saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Haansh Patel posted eight points. Patel also brought in his first three-point shooting accuracy of the season. Brayden Kent also deserves some recognition as he posted his first block of the season.

As for Skutt Catholic, they have been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-2 record this season. They have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won four matchups by 26 points or more this season.

Skutt Catholic was led to victory by Eddie Linderman and George Ziebell. Linderman went 5-for-9 en route to 15 points, while Ziebell shot 71% from the field on his way to 11 points and three steals. Ziebell is on a roll when it comes to field goal percentage, as he's posted one of at least 56% in the last seven games he's played. Another player making a difference was Luke Lenz, who had ten points.

Looking ahead, Crete will look to defend their home court on Friday against Waverly at 7:30 p.m. Skutt Catholic has already played their next contest (against Sioux City East), but no score has been uploaded at the time of writing.