Basketball Recap: Elijah Banks' Big Game Can't Quite Lead KIPP Bold City over Crossroads Christian

KIPP Bold City suffered their closest defeat since January 26th on Saturday. They fell just short of the Crossroads Christian Colts by a score of 64-61. While losing is never fun, the Greyhounds can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 244th in Florida, while the Colts are ranked 109th in North Carolina).

KIPP Bold City lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Elijah Banks, who posted 14 points. Banks is also crushing it when it comes to steals: he's grabbed at least two every time he's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Maalik Belford, who had 12 points.

Even though they lost, KIPP Bold City smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 11 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in seven consecutive matchups.

KIPP Bold City's loss dropped their record down to 5-2. As for Crossroads Christian, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won seven of their last eight contests, which provided a nice bump to their 9-2 record this season.

KIPP Bold City will head out to challenge Global Outreach Charter Academy at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. KIPP Bold City is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 61 points per game this season. Crossroads Christian will take on Harding University in a holiday battle at at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.