Basketball Game Preview: Greenbrier Christian Academy Gators vs. New Covenant Gryphons

Having just played yesterday, the Greenbrier Christian Academy Gators will head out on the road to face off against the New Covenant Gryphons at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. New Covenant took a loss in their last game and will be looking to turn the tables on Greenbrier Christian Academy, who comes in off a win.

Greenbrier Christian Academy is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. They skirted past Timberlake Christian 30-27. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Gators have posted since December 8, 2023.

Katelyn Balka

Rebounds

02/04/25 vs Broadwater Academy	18
02/10/25 vs Hampton Christian Academy	17
01/16/25 @ Broadwater Academy	17
12/21/24 vs Suffolk Christian Academy	17
12/13/24 vs Tidewater Academy	14
+ 14 more games

Greenbrier Christian Academy found their leader in sophomore Katelyn Balka, who posted eight points along with ten rebounds and eight steals. Balka has become a key player for Greenbrier Christian Academy: the team is 11-1 when she posts at least ten boards, but 3-4 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Alana Stevenson, who put up four points in addition to five rebounds and five steals.

Meanwhile, New Covenant lost to Virginia Episcopal School on the road by a 36-18 margin last Tuesday. The Gryphons have struggled against the Bishops recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive lost matchup.

Greenbrier Christian Academy will have to keep a close watch on Alicia Kenny and Ellie Jacobs, a pair of players who had a big impact on New Covenant's prior game. Kenny had two points and nine boards, while Jacobs earned five points and seven steals. What's more, Jacobs also posted a 67% field goal percentage, which is the highest she's achieved since back in February of 2024.

Greenbrier Christian Academy's win was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 14-5. The wins came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 29.0 points over those games. As for New Covenant, their loss dropped their record down to 12-10.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Greenbrier Christian Academy has been crashing the boards this season, having averaged 32.6 rebounds per game. However, it's not like New Covenant struggles in that department as they've been averaging 30.4 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more basketball content.