Basketball Recap: Rio Rico Takes a Loss

Rio Rico lost against Pusch Ridge Christian Academy back in November of 2022 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Tuesday. The Rio Rico Hawks fell just short of the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Lions by a score of 45-42. While losing is never fun, the Hawks can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Arizona basketball rankings (they are ranked 100th, while the Lions are ranked 32nd).

When it comes to explaining why Rio Rico lost, don't look at Angelina Whelan. Despite the final result, she dropped a double-double on 17 points and 13 boards. Whelan is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as she's now pulled down ten or more in the last seven games she's played. Addison Hix was another key player, dropping a double-double on ten points and 12 boards.

Even though they lost, Rio Rico smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 13 offensive boards in seven consecutive matchups.

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Nicole NJoroge out in front who posted 20 points and three steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Noelle Sunukjian, who earned six points in addition to seven rebounds and six steals.

Rio Rico has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games, which put a noticeable dent in their 10-8 record this season. Those losses can't be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 52.8 points per game. As for Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, the victory was the fifth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 15-4.

Rio Rico will face off against Douglas at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. As for Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, they won't have much time to rest: their next contest is against Thatcher at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The timing is sure in Pusch Ridge Christian Academy's favor as the team sits on four straight wins at home while Thatcher has been banged up by three consecutive losses on the road.