Junior Emma Belford lets a baseline jumper fly. (Riley Hennessy’20)
Coming off a blowout win, the CA girls basketball team saw its momentum subside this past week, as the Vikings fell to both Independence and archrival Bexley.
Academy played host to Independence on Wednesday, January 23, with the Vikes’ comeback bid falling just short in a 36-32 defeat.
The 76ers bolted in front to begin the game and owned a 5-point lead after the first quarter. CA didn’t panic and stayed firmly within striking distance. The Vikings headed to the locker rooms trailing 21-17.
Independence added to its cushion in the third period, but Academy refused to quit. Down by 8 heading into the fourth quarter, the Vikes put together a valiant attempt to stun the 76ers. CA couldn’t quite complete it, however, as Independence earned a hard-fought victory. Freshman Sophie Spolter led the Vikings with 13 points on the night.
Academy then took a trip to archrival Bexley on Friday, January 25, for a rematch with the Lions. Bexley got the better of the Vikes once again, picking up a 49-33 win.
CA went toe-to-toe with the Lions in the first half. Bexley held a 9-8 advantage after the first period, but the Vikings turned up their energy and grabbed a 2-point lead at the break.
Academy wouldn’t be on top for much longer. The Lions heated up in the third quarter and built a 32-27 advantage with 8 minutes remaining. The Vikes desperately tried to keep pace, but Bexley’s cushion only grew, as the Lions completed a season sweep of CA. Spolter continued to light it up for the Vikings, leading Academy with 15 points. It was her seventh consecutive double-digit scoring game.
The Vikes will look to get back on track as they host New Hope Christian Academy on Tuesday, January 29, and take a trip to Harvest Prep on Thursday, January 31, before returning home to battle Grandview Heights on Saturday, February 2.
