Crusader 9th grade team suffers first loss

The Elk County Catholic 9th grade Crusader basketball team was handed their first loss of the season on the road against Altoona on Monday. Altoona used a 29-10 advantage in the first half to take a 52-38 win.

Luke Songer and Matthew Gilmore each scored 10 points for ECC.

Altoona’s J. Pfeffer led all scorers with 16 points, and E. McCluskey was one back with 15.

The first quarter was close, with Altoona posting an 8-6 advantage for a two-point lead. Songer, Gilmore, and Brayden Barnett each made a bucket for the Crusaders.

A big second quarter helped Altoona pull away as they outscored ECC 21-4 for a 29-10 lead at the break. Gilmore and Franco Williams each scored two points for the Crusaders in the frame.

The Crusaders came out of the break strong and outscored Altoona 17-9 in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 38-27. Songer scored eight points on a pair of threes and a two, Wyatt Brem made a pair of twos, Jacob Ruffner and Williams each made a bucket, and Gilmore went one-fortwo from the foul line.

Altoona outscored ECC 14-11 in the final quarter for the 52-38 win. Gilmore led the Crusaders with five points, and Ruffner, Brem, and Williams each made a bucket.

ECC 38

Luke Songer 2-20-0-10, Brayden Barnett 1-0-0-0-2, Jacob Ruffner 2-0-00-4, Matthew Gilmore 4-0-2-4-10, Chandler Nunamaker 0-0-0-00, Wyatt Brem 3-0-00-6, Franco Williams 3-0-0-0-6. Totals 15-22-4-38.

Altoona 52

L. Gority 2-0-0-0-4, B. Brazile 2-1-2-2-9, C. Chathams 1-0-12-3, J. Pfeffer 2-33-4-16, J. Johnston 0-0-0-0-0, L. Helsel 2-1-0-0-7, E. McCluskey 6-0-3-6-15, J. Curry 0-0-0-0-0. Totals 14-5-9-14-52.

Score by quarters

ECCHS 6 4 17 11 38 Altoona 8 21 9 14 52