Eagles Fall to Central Christian in Bluebird Classic Opener
Pyle's Double-Double Highlights 54-36 Loss at Goessel Tournament
GOESSEL — The Elyria Christian School Eagles opened play in the Bluebird Classic with a 54-36 loss to Central Christian on Monday evening, as the visitors pulled away with strong perimeter shooting.
Joy Pyle delivered another dominant performance for the Eagles, recording a double-double with 17 points and 20 rebounds while adding four blocks. The senior continues to be ECS's most consistent force in the paint.
Grace Prescott added 10 points and three assists while handling significant pressure from Central Christian's aggressive defense. Amelia Moody contributed six points in the losing effort, and Abigail Stone chipped in three points off the bench.
The Eagles struggled to contain Central Christian's outside shooting, as the visitors connected on four three-pointers and built leads as large as 24 points during the contest. Central Christian outscored ECS in every quarter, leading 19-12 after one period and extending their advantage to 33-18 by halftime.
"Tonight we started our first game of the Bluebird Classic against a very solid Central Christian team. The game didn't go the way we were hoping," said assistant coach Sarah Swenson, who guided the team in the absence of head coach Greg Fields. "I thought defensively we were not as active as we normally are and gave up too many three point attempts, which they were able to convert on several."
The Eagles shot just 30 percent from the field (12-of-40) and struggled from beyond the arc, making only one of 15 three-point attempts. ECS did show improvement at the free-throw line, converting 11 of 18 attempts for 61.1 percent.
Despite the loss, Pyle's 20 rebounds included eight on the offensive glass, giving ECS second-chance opportunities throughout the game. Haven Bower contributed defensively with two steals, while Prescott handed out three assists despite facing constant pressure.
The Eagles will look to rebound quickly as they face Little River on Friday in their second game of the Bluebird Classic.
"We move on to play a very tough Little River on Friday of the Bluebird Classic," Swenson said. "Coach Fields was out tonight, but we are looking forward to having him back with the team on Friday!"
Greg Loving
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