Basketball Recap: The First Academy Piles Up the Points Against Winter Haven

Royals

Previous 4 Games

11/28/25 vs Winter Haven	72-41
11/25/25 vs Santa Fe Catholic	70-43
11/21/25 @ McKeel Academy	75-43
11/18/25 vs Faith Christian	76-20

The First Academy strolled into their game on Friday with a perfect record and they left with the same. They claimed a resounding 72-41 victory over the Winter Haven Blue Devils. Fans of the Royals have seen this all before: every one of the games they've played this season has ended in a blowout of 20+ points.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead The First Academy to victory, but perhaps none more so than Cory McPherson, who posted eight points along with 12 assists and eight rebounds. McPherson is also crushing it when it comes to steals: he's grabbed at least two every time he's taken the court this season. Zion Siler also deserves some recognition as he posted his first block of the season.

They weren't the only ones working in the assist department: The First Academy was working as a unit and finished the game with 19 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Winter Haven only racked up nine.

Winter Haven's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Na'Qualen Gunter, who almost dropped a double-double with 13 points and nine boards. The team also got some help courtesy of Gavin Hall, who earned 13 points.

The First Academy's win bumped their record up to 4-0.

The First Academy has already played their next matchup, a 58-55 loss against Central Florida Christian Academy on the 29th. As for Winter Haven, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next game, a 66-54 defeat against Dr. Phillips on the 29th.