Basketball Recap: Hickory Christian Academy Starts off Right with Win over NCSSM: Morganton

Hickory Christian Academy gave their fans exactly what they wanted out of a home opener on Thursday. They managed a 77-72 win over the NCSSM: Morganton Dragons.

Noah Durham

Points (Career)

11/13/25 vs NCSSM: Morganton	34
02/07/25 @ Carolina Day	29
01/06/25 vs Lake Lure Classical Academy	22
02/06/25 vs Salem Christian School	20
01/13/25 @ Statesville Christian	19

Noah Durham went supernova, putting up 34 points. Those 34 points gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Jakob Massey, who posted ten points and five steals.

NCSSM: Morganton lost despite a true team effort on offense. The best among them was Bransen Pittman, who went 11-for-17 on his way to 24 points in addition to eight boards and three steals. Another player making a difference was Nate Gutschall, who shot 67% from the field en route to 14 points along with six rebounds and three steals.

NCSSM: Morganton dropped their record down to 1-1 with the defeat, which was their fifth straight on the road dating back to last season.

Looking ahead, Hickory Christian Academy will take on Caldwell Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Knights will be up against the Eagles' rather soft defense (which has allowed 70.75 points per matchup), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance. As for NCSSM: Morganton, they will face off against Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Monday.