Kings Christian Crusaders fall to 5-4 with hoops loss to Orosi

Kings Christian held its own Tuesday, matching Sierra League rival Orosi nearly bucket for bucket but ended up on the wrong side of a 59-56 verdict.

The Crusaders dropped to 5-4 on the season and 0-1 in league play. Orosi, whom many expect to play for the title, is 1-0 in the league and 10-5 overall.

“We’ve had a problem with Orosi,” said Crusader Coach Jeff Allen, in his second year at the helm. “But we did well. It was tight all the way,” he said.

Allen said the Crusaders haven’t fare well against Orosi the past two years, losing twice to them last year, and earlier this season, in the Parlier Tournament, Orosi beat Kings Christian by 22 points.

“I’m really excited for this year,” said Allen. “I’m thinking that Orosi might be our toughest opponent.” He’s also impressed with his own team’s play so far this year. “They’re playing real well as a team this year,” he said.

In Tuesday’s game Eric Savage led the Crusaders with 13 points and 11 rebounds while Mason Munoz had 11 points and 11 rebounds. Derrick Hill also tossed in nine points and pulled down 10 rebounds.

The Crusaders continue league play with a game at Orange Cove on Friday, January 10.