Huskies’ Defense Stifles Chargers in Gritty 38-34 District Win

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.</em> — In a tense, low-scoring defensive showdown that lived up to its billing as a battle of top District 6-4A contenders, the Hope Christian Huskies edged the Albuquerque Academy Chargers 38-34 on Tuesday, Feb. 10.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chargers won the opening tip and controlled the early pace, closing the first quarter on a 7-0 run to lead 15-10. But Hope Christian flipped the script in the second, outscoring Academy 13-6 behind active hands and tough interior presence to take a 23-21 halftime edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The third quarter turned into a defensive stalemate, with both teams struggling to find rhythm. The Huskies clung to a slim 26-25 lead heading into the fourth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game stayed razor-close down the stretch. With 2:27 remaining, Academy knotted it at 32-32 on a pair of clutch free throws. But Hope Christian responded with poise: a lightning-fast break layup followed by a perfect 4-for-4 trip to the foul line in the final minutes to ice the victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hope's balanced "Big 3" delivered in the clutch. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='839433' first='Bri' last='Bishop'] (11 points) provided versatile perimeter scoring. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1233322' first='Adalynn' last='Day'] (11 points) directed traffic masterfully, shining in the midrange. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='648212' first='Mia' last='Bishop'] (9 points) anchored the paint all game long, dominating with rebounds and interior defense. Together, the trio accounted for 31 points while making plays on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the Chargers, consistency proved elusive amid Hope's length and pressure. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='648196' first='Adeline' last='Spratley'] was a one-woman show in the second half, erupting for all 13 of Academy's points over the final 16 minutes to finish with a game-high 18. She attacked at all three levels — crafty drives, strong post-ups, and timely catch-and-shoot threes. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1068212' first='Lily' last='Skarsgard'] added 12 points, all in the first half, with smooth pull-ups and floaters early on. (Note: Charger player [player_tooltip player_id='839425' first='Harper' last='Dunn'] fouled out with 3:22 left.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Huskies improve to 20-4 overall (and strengthen their district standing), while the Chargers fall to 19-5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What's Next</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hope Christian (20-4) hosts Valley (2-20) on Friday Feb. 13 at 7:00 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Albuquerque Academy (19-5) visits Del Norte (6-16) on Friday Feb. 13 at 7:00 p.m. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->