By By JURGEN BOEREMA
news@wdnweb.com
Contributing Writer
A split decision was the outcome between rivals Terra Ceia Christian School and Pungo Christian Academy on Tuesday.
The Terra Ceia Christian School’s varsity boys’ team secured a 42-33 win over rival Pungo Christian Academy’s varsity boys’ team, with Derrick Chesson’s 18 points and 13 rebounds leading the way.
The TCCS Knights jumped out to an 11-0 lead with baskets by Kyle Hendrix, Thad Van Essendelft and Chesson.
The PCA Raiders slowly crept back into the game when center Kris Armstrong scored consecutive layups and guard Christian Ange followed with a three-pointer and jumpshot moments later to bring the score to 11-10.
At one point, PCA held a brief 21-20 lead before Chesson hit a layup to give the Knights the lead again.
From there on out, the game was tight as both teams battled for control of the game.
Near the end, the Knights kept their composure by making key defensive stops and preventing the Raiders from making a comeback.
Knights’ coach Roger Klaassen praised his team’s effort.
“We’ve been struggling as of late, and in this game we just battled. That is the encouraging part. We went through a few bad moments in the game, but we pushed through it. We continued to stay with it. One thing we stressed the other night was to move the basketball offensively, and we did. That was good to see tonight. The win helps in our conference.”
The win brought the Knights’ conference record to 2-2 and their overall record to 6-9.
Today, the travel to Ahoskie to face Ahoskie Christian.
Van Essendelft added seven points and three rebounds for the Knights. Hendrix chipped in seven points and two rebounds.
Armstrong led the Raiders with 11 points. Ange tallied seven points for the Raiders.
PCA’s girls’ varsity team captured a 31-21 victory over the TCCS girls with key free-throw shooting down the stretch from senior forward Jenna Sadler.
PCA girls’ coach Melanie Sawyer noted that the team’s win was a difficult one.
“We won, which is a good thing, but it wasn’t pretty. There were a lot of mistakes. We got our first win in conference tonight. Jenna’s shots near the end really gave us the edge that we needed.”
The Lady Raiders go on the road Friday to face Ridgecroft School. Sawyer acknowledged that game would not be easy, either.
“They are always a tough game. Especially when you go to Ridgecroft. You know what you are going to face, man-to-man the whole time.”
TCCS girls’ coach Daren Hubers noted some positive points despite his team’s loss.
“We played good defense. But we just struggled offensively and couldn’t find a way to score. But the girls played really hard and gave a hundred percent. It also didn’t help that we had foul trouble.”
The TCCS girls, 2-9 overall, have collected wins against TEACH and Lawrence Academy.