Basketball Recap: International Community Takes Loss Despite Strong Efforts from Jace Grover and Paxton Boaz

International Community played a tough matchup on Monday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They came up short against the Hope Academy Trojan Tigers, falling 78-54. While losing is never fun, the Comets can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 515th, while the Trojan Tigers are ranked 229th).

Paxton Boaz

Blocked Shots

01/27/25 @ Hope Academy	2
11/21/24 @ City of Life Christian Academy	2
01/16/24 vs Forest Lake Academy	2
01/25/25 @ Circle Christian	1
01/07/25 vs University	1

International Community's loss came despite strong showings from Paxton Boaz and Jace Grover. Boaz dropped a double-double on 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Grover went 8 of 12 on his way to 19 points. What's more, Boaz also racked up two blocks, the most he's had since back in November of 2024. Slade Woodruff was another key player, putting up seven points.

Hope Academy's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Willie Griggs led the charge by dropping a double-double on 15 points and 14 boards. Griggs has been hot recently, having also posted two or more blocks the last three times he's played. Another player making a difference was Dwayne Foreman III, who went 5 for 12 en route to 15 points along with six assists and four steals.

International Community has been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 10-12 record this season. As for Hope Academy, the victory snapped their losing streak at four games and leaves them with a 17-9 record.

International Community and Freedom will face off at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday without much rest having both just played. One thing working in Freedom's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last seven games. As for Hope Academy, they and Jones will face off at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday without much rest having both just played. Hope Academy is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 68.7 points per game this season.