Basketball Recap: Payton Peebles' Big Game Can't Quite Lead David Emanuel Academy over Thomas Jefferson Academy

David Emanuel Academy and Thomas Jefferson Academy squared off in some playoff action on Thursday, but David Emanuel Academy had to settle for second. They took a 45-40 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Thomas Jefferson Academy Jaguars. Unfortunately, that's the third time they've come up short against the Jaguars this season, with their most recent loss being a 51-41 defeat last Tuesday.

Payton Peebles

Blocked Shots (Career)

02/13/25 vs Thomas Jefferson Academy	5
01/31/25 vs Covenant Academy	4
01/27/25 vs Thomas Jefferson Academy	3
01/07/25 vs Twiggs Academy	3
12/12/24 vs Fullington Academy	3

Several Eagles players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Payton Peebles, who posted four points in addition to seven boards and five blocks. Those five blocks gave Peebles a new career-high. Aubrey Williams was another key player, putting up nine points.

David Emanuel Academy is on a four-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 5-16. As for Thomas Jefferson Academy, they are on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five contests, which provided a nice bump to their 8-15 record this season.

Looking ahead, David Emanuel Academy and Covenant Academy will face off at 3:00 p.m. on Friday without much rest, having both just played. Thomas Jefferson Academy does not have any more games scheduled as of now.