Basketball Game Preview: Lutheran South Academy Pioneers vs. Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart Chargers

The Lutheran South Academy Pioneers will face off against the Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart Chargers at 1:30 p.m. on Friday.

Last Saturday, Lutheran South Academy came up short against Pasadena and fell 43-36. The Pioneers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Despite their defeat, Lutheran South Academy saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Annaliese De La Pena, who posted 18 points and four steals, was perhaps the best of all. De La Pena is crushing it when it comes to steals: she's grabbed at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Natalie Browning was another key player, putting up eight points and 12 rebounds.

Even though they lost, Lutheran South Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive boards in five consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart can finally bid farewell to their 13-game losing streak dating back to last season thanks to their game on December 14th. They strolled past Northland Christian with points to spare, taking the game 41-23. The Chargers' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

Lutheran South Academy's loss dropped their record down to 4-10. As for Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-6.

Everything came up roses for Lutheran South Academy against Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in their previous meeting back in November of 2023, as the team secured a 68-25 win. In that match, Lutheran South Academy amassed a halftime lead of 36-9, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Friday.