Basketball Game Preview: Riverwalk Academy Lions vs. Providence Classical Paladins

The Riverwalk Academy Lions are taking a road trip to take on the Providence Classical Paladins at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Having both just faced considerable losses, both teams are looking to turn things around.

Riverwalk Academy is headed into the contest out to prove that what happened against Lee Central on Tuesday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Riverwalk Academy was outmatched by Lee Central and fell 77-29. The Lions were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 42-17.

Adam Johnson put forth a good effort for the losing side as he posted seven points and three steals. That's the most points he has posted since back in December of 2024. Levi Staton was another key player, putting up seven points.

Meanwhile, Providence Classical came up short against Liberty Preparatory Christian Academy on Thursday, falling 57-32. The defeat continues a trend for the Paladins in their matchups with the Patriots: they've now lost four in a row.

Despite the loss, Providence Classical saw an underclassman step up: freshman Grafton Eiff went 5 for 11 on his way to 14 points and three steals. That was a full 43.8% of Providence Classical's points, marking the sixth time in a row he's put up more than a third of the team's points.

Providence Classical's defeat dropped their record down to 6-9. As for Riverwalk Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 3-13.

Riverwalk Academy was taken down by Providence Classical 52-24 in their previous matchup back in December of 2023. Thankfully for Riverwalk Academy, Xan Rahalewicz (who almost dropped a double-double on 15 points and nine steals) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.