Basketball Game Preview: Gardendale Rockets vs. Jefferson Christian Academy Eagles

The Gardendale Rockets will challenge the Jefferson Christian Academy Eagles at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Gardendale is coming into the match on a three-game losing streak.

Last Thursday, Gardendale was beaten by Clay-Chalkville 86-50. While losing is never fun, the Rockets can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Alabama basketball rankings (they are ranked 191st, while the Cougars are ranked 24th).

Meanwhile, Jefferson Christian Academy was able to grind out a solid victory over Coosa Christian on Tuesday, taking the game 68-60.

Gardendale better keep an eye on Justin Beckham. He was instrumental in Jefferson Christian Academy's win, dropping a double-double on 26 points and 21 rebounds. The dominant performance gave Beckham a new career-high in rebounds. Another player making a difference was Cameron Belser, who went 7 of 13 en route to 21 points and three blocks.

Jefferson Christian Academy pushed their record up to 14-8 with the win, which was their sixth straight on the road. Those victories came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 74.0 points per game. As for Gardendale, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-13.

Gardendale beat Jefferson Christian Academy 76-66 in their previous matchup last Thursday. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Beckham, who dropped a triple-double on 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 blocks. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Gardendale still be able to contain Beckham? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.