Jackson, MI. – The Jackson Christian Royals battled valiantly in a back and forth game against the Hillsdale Academy Colts in a game that saw several lead changes but just couldn’t finish strong enough in the fourth quarter, falling 46-39.
The Royals started strong behind a deep NBA three from senior Bree Sanford and played a tough style, stifling defense to stay within one at the half. But the Colts defense took over the rest of the way holding the Royals to just 14 in the second half.
The Colts played solid down the stretch hitting big shots when they needed them with junior Makenna Banbury making two clutch threes to keep the teams separated. The Royals fought back but it was not enough in the end.
Sanford led the Royals and all scorers with 19 points and 8 rebounds and 3 steals. Banbury led the Colts with 18 points while her teammate Kiera Welden finished with 10.
The Royals fall to 5-5 on the season while the Colts run their record up to 8-2. Play resumes Thursday for the Royals as they travel to Bellevue while Hillsdale Academy will travel to take on undefeated Pittsford.
