Basketball Recap: Northwood Academy Piles Up the Points Against Cardinal Newman

Northwood Academy had already proven themselves in the regular season and they didn't miss a beat now that it's playoff time. They simply couldn't be stopped on Friday as they easily beat the Cardinal Newman Cardinals 57-15. The Chargers have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 11 contests by 26 points or more this season.

Maliyah Birch

Steals

02/14/25 vs Cardinal Newman	10
02/10/25 @ Pinewood Prep	5
02/07/25 vs First Baptist School	3
02/03/25 @ Palmetto Christian Academy	4
01/31/25 vs Ashley Hall	4
+ 20 more games

Northwood Academy found their leader in sophomore Maliyah Birch, who dropped a double-double with 25 points and ten steals. Birch is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in each of the last 25 games she's played dating back to last season. The team also got some help courtesy of Rylan Dundon, who went 6-for-12 en route to 12 points and eight rebounds.

Northwood Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive boards in three consecutive matches.

Northwood Academy has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won eight of their last nine games, which provided a massive bump to their 16-8 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 22.0 points over those games. As for Cardinal Newman, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-17.

Northwood Academy has already played their next contest, a 61-35 win against Northside Christian Academy on the 17th. Cardinal Newman does not have any more games scheduled as of now.