Basketball Game Preview: Scott's Branch Eagles vs. Charleston Math & Science Riptide

The Scott's Branch Eagles will square off against the Charleston Math & Science Riptide at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Scott's Branch will be looking to extend their current eight-game winning streak.

The home team had won the previous three meetings between Scott's Branch and Military Magnet Academy, and Scott's Branch kept the tradition alive. Scott's Branch blew past Military Magnet Academy 81-35 on Tuesday.

Christian Makel

Steals (Career)

01/27/26 vs Military Magnet Academy	8
01/22/26 vs St. John's	6
12/19/25 vs East Clarendon	5
01/20/26 @ Lowcountry Leadership	4
01/10/26 vs Lake Marion	4

Scott's Branch's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Christian Makel led the charge by putting up 11 points in addition to eight steals and five rebounds. Those eight steals gave Makel a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Quinton Jackson, who posted 15 points and three steals.

Scott's Branch smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 16 offensive boards in four consecutive matchups.

Meanwhile, Charleston Math & Science earned a 39-27 victory over Cross on Tuesday.

Charleston Math & Science had a senior duo take command as Haasawn Todd had 18 points and four steals and Zion King put up 11 points along with seven steals and five assists. King has been hot, having posted two or more steals the last six times he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Tristan Jackson, who earned six points and 13 boards.

Charleston Math & Science's win bumped their record up to 12-7. As for Scott's Branch, their victory bumped their record up to 11-9.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Scott's Branch has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 23.1 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Charleston Math & Science struggles in that department as they've been averaging 29.6 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Scott's Branch was taken down by Charleston Math & Science 73-36 in their previous matchup back in January of 2025. That game was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Eagles were down 38-16.