Basketball Recap: Julia Van Valkenburg's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Thales Academy Rolesville over Halifax Academy

Thales Academy Rolesville was the 49-35 winner over Halifax Academy when they last played one another back in December of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. The Thales Academy Rolesville Knights took a hard 43-29 fall against the Halifax Academy Vikings on Friday.

Julia Van Valkenburg

Steals

01/03/25 @ Halifax Academy	3
01/02/25 vs Durham Flight HomeSchool	4
12/13/24 vs Neuse Christian Academy	5
12/12/24 vs St. David's	3

Thales Academy Rolesville's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Julia Van Valkenburg, who posted 14 points and three steals. Van Valkenburg is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed three or more in the last four games she's played. Another player making a difference was Mary Niebauer, who put up seven points in addition to seven boards and three steals.

Hayden Barlow had a dynamite game for Halifax Academy, going 8 of 19 on her way to 16 points and seven steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Karson Ricks, who had six points and four steals.

Thales Academy Rolesville's defeat dropped their record down to 7-6. As for Halifax Academy, their record now sits at 5-6.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Thales Academy Rolesville will head out to challenge Friendship Christian at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Halifax Academy, they will venture away from home to face off against Lawrence Academy at 6:30 p.m. on January 10th.