Basketball Recap: Stella Cavalcante's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Pioneer Charter School of Science over Excel Academy Charter

Pioneer Charter School of Science was the 37-24 winner over Excel Academy Charter when they last played one another back in December of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Pioneer Charter School of Science Panthers fell to the Excel Academy Charter Wolves 40-35. The Panthers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Several Panthers players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Stella Cavalcante, who posted three points along with seven steals, six assists, and five boards. Cavalcante is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last four games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Doha Marbouh, who had ten points in addition to seven rebounds and four steals.

Even though they lost, Pioneer Charter School of Science smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards in four consecutive contests.

Excel Academy Charter got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Alaa Charkaoui out in front who put up 12 points. Another player making a difference was Kailani Goncalves, who posted ten points.

Pioneer Charter School of Science's defeat was their first in the league, dropping their league record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 3-3. As for Excel Academy Charter, the victory got them back to even at 3-3.

Pioneer Charter School of Science didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 47-41 loss against Boston Collegiate on the 7th. As for Excel Academy Charter, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next matchup, a 34-14 defeat against Pioneer Charter School of Science II on the 7th.