Preview: Union Grove Christian Patriots vs. Gospel Light Christian
Union Grove Christian has been on the road for two straight, but on Friday they'll finally head home. They will take on Gospel Light Christian at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Hopefully Union Grove Christian focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up nine on Monday.
Last Monday, Union Grove Christian was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 40-36 to Vandalia Christian. The defeat unfortunately continues a disappointing trend for Union Grove Christian in their matchups with Vandalia Christian: they've now lost five in a row.
Despite their defeat, Union Grove Christian saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Klaira Cromer, who scored 14 points along with five assists and three steals, was perhaps the best of all. Cromer is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last six games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Sara Long, who scored six points along with seven rebounds and three steals.
Meanwhile, Gospel Light Christian was able to grind out a solid victory over Triad Baptist Christian Academy on Tuesday, taking the game 50-43. The win was all the more spectacular given Gospel Light Christian's disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 446th, while Triad Baptist Christian Academy is ranked 166th).
Gospel Light Christian found their leader in underclassman Maggie Jo Church, who dropped a double-double on 20 points and 24 rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Church has scored all season. Noelle Nelson was another key contributor, scoring 16 points along with two steals.
Union Grove Christian's loss ended a four-game streak of away wins and brought them to 8-11. As for Gospel Light Christian, the victory makes it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 6-8.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Union Grove Christian have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 35.2 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Gospel Light Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging 36.4 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Union Grove Christian came up short against Gospel Light Christian in their previous meeting back in January of 2023, falling 43-36. Will Union Grove Christian have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more basketball content.
