Basketball Game Preview: North Summit Braves vs. Draper APA Eagles

North Summit is a perfect 6-0 against Draper APA since February of 2022 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The two teams will face off at 4:10 p.m. without much rest, having both just played. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as North Summit comes in on 19 and Draper APA on eight.

North Summit is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Thursday. They breezed past St. Joseph to the tune of 61-25. The Braves have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 17 matches by 20 points or more this season.

Ellie Stephens

Rebounds

02/20/25 vs St. Joseph	14
02/14/25 vs Water Canyon	16
02/06/25 @ Gunnison Valley	19
02/04/25 @ North Sevier	11
02/01/25 @ San Juan	10
+ 20 more games

North Summit found their leader in sophomore Ellie Stephens, who dropped a double-double with 19 points and 14 boards. Stephens is crushing it when it comes to rebounds: she's pulled down at least eight every time she's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Hartlynn Richins, who went 5-for-11 to rack up 10 points along with seven assists and three steals.

North Summit smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards every time they've taken the court this season.

Fans were treated to a battle of the Eagles on Thursday. Draper APA had just enough and edged out Duchesne 38-35. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory Draper APA has posted since December 6, 2024.

North Summit's win bumped their record up to 24-1. As for Draper APA, their victory bumped their record up to 19-5.

North Summit took their win against Draper APA when the teams last played back in December of 2024 by a conclusive 69-44. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Draper APA's Aaliyah Baldwin, who went 8-for-17 en route to 23 points and five steals. Now that she's got a second chance to win this matchup, will North Summit still be able to contain Baldwin? There's only one way to find out.