Basketball Game Preview: Tunica Academy Blue Devils vs. DeSoto Thunderbirds

Tunica Academy hasn't had much luck against DeSoto recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Tunica Academy Blue Devils will take on the DeSoto Thunderbirds in a holiday battle at at 6:00 p.m.

Tunica Academy is headed into Friday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 13th straight game dating back to last season two weeks ago. They lost 53-33 to Hickory Flat. One positive for the Blue Devils, at least, is that this was the most points they've scored all season.

Meanwhile, DeSoto entered their tilt with West Memphis Christian on Tuesday with five consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with six. They claimed a resounding 77-42 win over the Black Knights. The Thunderbirds have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won nine contests by 21 points or more this season.

Tunica Academy better keep an eye on Carsyn Gore. She was instrumental in DeSoto's win, putting up 22 points along with eight assists and six steals. What's more, Gore also racked up two blocks, the most she's had since back in February. Kylee Jo Holder was another key player, posting ten points and five steals.

DeSoto smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in nine consecutive games.

DeSoto's victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 17-2. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 57.7 points per game. As for Tunica Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-5.

Tunica Academy came up short against DeSoto when the teams last played back in October, falling 30-20. Can Tunica Academy avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.