Bethlehem Christian bows out after high-scoring PIAA playoff thriller

Sankofa star Nafise Dubose becomes all-time leading scorer in 82-74 victory over Bethlehem Christian

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:50am

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Bethlehem Christian's boys basketball team put up 74 points but fell 82-74 to Sankofa Freedom in the PIAA Class 1A second round, where Sankofa star Nafise Dubose became his program's all-time leading scorer. The fast-paced matchup ends Bethlehem Christian's state run, while Sankofa advances to Friday's quarterfinal against York Country Day with a return trip to Hershey in sight.

Why it matters

The high-scoring affair between Bethlehem Christian and Sankofa Freedom highlighted the competitive nature of the PIAA Class 1A playoffs, where smaller schools battle for a chance to reach the state championship in Hershey. Dubose's record-setting performance also showcases the individual talent on display in the tournament.

The details

In the PIAA Class 1A second round matchup, Bethlehem Christian put up an impressive 74 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Sankofa Freedom and star player Nafise Dubose. Dubose became Sankofa's all-time leading scorer in the 82-74 victory, leading his team to the quarterfinals against York Country Day. The fast-paced game ended Bethlehem Christian's state playoff run.

  • The PIAA Class 1A second round game took place on March 11, 2026.
  • Sankofa Freedom will face York Country Day in the quarterfinals on Friday.

The players

Nafise Dubose

The star player for Sankofa Freedom who became his program's all-time leading scorer in the win over Bethlehem Christian.

Bethlehem Christian

The boys basketball team from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania that was eliminated from the PIAA Class 1A playoffs after the high-scoring loss to Sankofa Freedom.

Sankofa Freedom

The boys basketball team from Philadelphia that defeated Bethlehem Christian 82-74 in the PIAA Class 1A second round and advanced to the quarterfinals.

York Country Day

The team that Sankofa Freedom will face in the PIAA Class 1A quarterfinals after their win over Bethlehem Christian.

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What’s next

Sankofa Freedom will face York Country Day in the PIAA Class 1A quarterfinals on Friday, with a chance to advance to the state championship in Hershey.

The takeaway

The high-scoring PIAA Class 1A playoff matchup between Bethlehem Christian and Sankofa Freedom showcased the talent and competitiveness of small-school basketball in Pennsylvania, with Sankofa's Nafise Dubose setting a new program scoring record in the victory.