Basketball Recap: Aryah Grace's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Lamar over East Rankin Academy

Lamar was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They were four points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 49-45 heartbreaker at the hands of the East Rankin Academy Patriots. While losing is never fun, the Raiders can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Mississippi basketball rankings (they are ranked 71st, while the Patriots are ranked seventh).

Several Raiders players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Aryah Grace, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and ten rebounds. What's more, Grace also racked up three blocks, the most she's had since back in December of 2023. Blake Hart was another key player, going 5 for 8 en route to 10 points.

Lamar's loss dropped their record down to 13-10. As for East Rankin Academy, they pushed their record up to 26-2 with the win, which was their third straight on the road.

Lamar will challenge Park Place Christian Academy at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Lamar is facing Park Place Christian Academy at the right time seeing as Park Place Christian Academy is stuck on a six-game losing streak. As for East Rankin Academy, they will be playing at home against Wayne Academy at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. East Rankin Academy will also cruise into their next matchup with the timing on their side: Wayne Academy will have lost nine straight heading into Tuesday's game.