Elyria Catholic Panthers Surge Past Avon Eagles in Thrilling 51-45 Win
BREAKING: The Elyria Catholic Panthers triumphed over the Avon Eagles with a decisive 51-45 victory in the Holiday Hoops at Berea-Midpark on December 30, 2025. This win marks Elyria Catholic’s fifth consecutive victory, improving their record to 7-2.
After a slow start, Elyria Catholic’s offense ignited, fueled by an impressive performance from guard Alena Bray, who scored all 12 points from beyond the arc. The Panthers launched a stunning 14-2 run, hitting four 3-pointers in quick succession, which propelled them to a commanding 40-28 lead at the start of the fourth quarter. Coach Eric Rothgery emphasized the critical role of Bray’s shooting, stating, “A lot of times, it takes one shot to get things going.”
The game was a showcase of teamwork, with Bray’s shooting complemented by Ari Dimacchia, who notched an impressive double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, including two 3-pointers. Rothgery praised Dimacchia’s all-around skills, calling her “one of the best all-around athletes that I have ever coached.”
Despite Elyria Catholic’s strong performance, Avon proved resilient. Abby Owens led the Eagles with 16 points, making four 3-pointers and scoring ten in the final quarter. Avon coach Adam Castrilla remarked, “Give Elyria Catholic credit. They knocked down shots. It was not just for a quarter; it was for the whole game.”
Elyria Catholic’s victory underscores their strategic shooting and teamwork, making them a formidable opponent as they look ahead to their next game against Lake Catholic on January 3. Meanwhile, Avon, currently at 3-7, is optimistic about their future, with Castrilla noting the value of this game as a learning experience for their young team.
As the Panthers celebrate this hard-fought victory, the excitement of high school basketball continues to captivate fans. Stay tuned for updates on Elyria Catholic’s upcoming games and Avon’s efforts to bounce back from this tough loss.
