Basketball Recap: Ben Earnest's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Poplar Springs over Ponce De Leon + How To Watch

Poplar Springs was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat dating back to last season. They were five points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 55-50 heartbreaker at the hands of the Ponce De Leon Pirates. The Atomics were not able to make up for their loss to the Pirates from their previous meeting back in December of 2024.

Ben Earnest

Field Goal Percentage

11/20/25 @ Ponce De Leon	54%
11/18/25 @ Holmes County	50%
02/03/25 vs Graceville	50%
01/31/25 @ Paxton	50%
01/30/25 @ Liberty County	60%

Several Atomics players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Ben Earnest, who shot 54% from the field to rack up 20 points. Earnest is on a roll when it comes to field goal percentage, as he's posted one of at least 50% in the last five games he's played dating back to last season. The team also got some help courtesy of Jakobe Jackson, who went 5-for-9 en route to 11 points and eight rebounds.

Ponce De Leon got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Amarion Griggs out in front who shot 40% from the field on his way to 18 points and eight boards. Malachi Kirkland was another key player, putting up 18 points.

Poplar Springs' defeat dropped their record down to 0-2.

Poplar Springs wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next game, a 71-25 victory against Zion Chapel on the 21st. As for Ponce De Leon, they have also already played their next matchup, a 58-56 loss against Central on the 21st.