Determined Pilgrims Earn Victory

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Wednesday, I traveled west for a CMAC matchup between the Saranac Red Hawks (2-9, D3) and Lansing Christian Pilgrims (6-4, D4). The Pilgrims won the first meeting 47-27 on December 10th, but Saranac came into this game after wins against Potterville, Byron Center Zion Christian, and a two-point loss against Perry. Small-town high school basketball is such a unique and fun experience. Saranac had a lively band playing throughout the game; every seat was close to the action. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1171066,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/PXL_20250130_001155976-crop-3465x2275-1738258526.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1171066" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lansing Christian @ Saranac, Saranac H.S., Jan. 29th, 2025.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1171070,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/01/PXL_20250130_001526688.MP_-crop-3465x2275-1738258717.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1171070" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lansing Christian @ Saranac, Saranac H.S., Jan. 29th, 2025.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first quarter was very competitive as both teams limited transition scoring opportunities and converted free throws. The balance shifted in the second quarter as the Pilgrims increased their defensive pressure and energy, taking a 24-8 lead into the locker room. Lansing Christian continued to build on their momentum in the second half. Their defensive pressure, determined rebounding, and aggressive drives to the basket kept the lead intact, resulting in a 49-22 victory on the road. Here are six players who grabbed my attention during my time in the gym yesterday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["996558"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679be55d5efdc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lydia is a well-known sniper from 3-point range, but she used her dribble to create scoring opportunities against Saranac on Wednesday. Lydia used effective pivots in the paint to score step-through layups with a soft touch off the glass. She caused fouls by driving hard to the rim and showed her smooth shooting stroke by hitting six free throws from the charity stripe. Lydia aggressively chased down multiple offensive rebounds, kicked the ball to open teammates, actively communicated on the court, and demonstrated receptiveness to coaching. She intercepted a pass, pushed the ball in top gear, and scored a strong left-handed and-one layup. Lydia led the Pilgrims with 14 points and will be an exciting addition to the Wheaton College Women's Basketball program next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1171101"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679be55d5f03b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ava is an All-Conference track athlete whose impact on the basketball court spoke volumes on Wednesday. Her endless motor and energy lifted the entire team to a higher level. Ava caused turnovers with her relentless ball pressure and quick lateral movement. She had at least seven offensive rebounds: nobody was going to stop her from getting the ball. Ava drove hard to the basket for layups, including a strong and-one finish. She used effective pivots to dish passes to open teammates, verbally encouraged others, and poured in 9 points for the Pilgrims. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["921298"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679be55d5f085"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Esther is a forward with promise whose extra effort and energy gave Lansing Christian a spark during their Wednesday win. Esther sealed her defender to catch an entry pass and caused a foul on her step-through. She kept her hands active to create steals, hit the deck for 50/50 balls, and worked hard to secure many rebounds. Esther gained the advantage inside for an offensive rebound and scored the putback. Her mobility and height create challenges for opposing forwards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1171108"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679be55d5f0cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alyssa's impact on both ends of the court helped Lansing Christian earn a win on Wednesday. She pressured ball handlers on the perimeter and created multiple deflections with her active hands. Alyssa buried two confident triples from the wing and beat her defender with a quick dribble to score a layup. Alyssa kept her eyes up, created space with different dribble moves, and dished accurate passes to teammates when the defense collapsed. She chipped in 8 points for the Pilgrims.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1056237"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679be55d5f10e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lydia is a sharpshooting guard with the potential to be a solid prospect for the Saranac basketball program. She came into the game Wednesday as one of Lansing's leaders this season with 29 made 3s. After being fouled on a 3-point attempt, Lydia converted three straight free throws at the line with textbook technique. She added a rhythmic 3-pointer off the hop from the corner and led the Red Hawks with 8 points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1171112"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679be55d5f151"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leah has been an important front-court presence for Saranac this season and a productive rebounder. She's averaging 7.5 boards per game, including a season-high of 16. Leah secured several rebounds again for the Red Hawks on Wednesday and sealed her defender in the paint to score a layup softly off the glass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">At the Buzzer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Bell</strong>&nbsp;is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops and Director of&nbsp;<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='923712' first='Prepare' last='2 Win Basketball']</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;. Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prepnetwork.com/frequently-asked-questions/">mission</a>&nbsp;at PGH is to cover as many athletes with D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO potential in the state as possible. If you know a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at coachevanbell@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->