The Cross Christian Academy Centurions scored the most points they've had all season to find success on Thursday. They took down Doane Academy 87-73. Given Cross Christian Academy's advantage in MaxPreps's basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked eighth in Delaware, while Doane Academy is ranked 320th in New Jersey), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Cross Christian Academy's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Makel Hubbard, who scored 26 points. That makes it three consecutive games in which Hubbard has scored at least 25% of Cross Christian Academy's points. Another player making a difference was Dontarius Jones, who scored 20 points.
Nick Fusco and Vaughn Hoagland certainly did their best on Thursday to try and avoid the loss. Fusco scored 20 points along with five rebounds and three steals, while Hoagland scored 19 points along with eight rebounds. That's the first time this season that Hoagland pulled down eight or more rebounds. Colin Warman was another key contributor, scoring 11 points along with five rebounds.
Even though they lost, Doane Academy were smashing the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.
The victory makes it two in a row for Cross Christian Academy and bumps their season record up to 3-2. As for Doane Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 2-4.
Cross Christian Academy and Hightstown will round out the year against one another at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday at. Hightstown will be looking to extend their current five-game winning streak. Doane Academy will finish 2023 at home by hosting Burlington City at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Burlington City is still on the hunt for that elusive first 'W'.
