Basketball Recap: Tristen Abner's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Veterans over Northside

Veterans was the 82-63 winner over Northside when they last played one another back in December of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Veterans Warhawks took a 62-57 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Northside Eagles. That's two games in a row now that the Warhawks have lost by exactly five points.

Veterans' defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Tristen Abner, who posted nine points in addition to eight boards and seven assists. That's the most assists Abner has posted since back in December of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Jaivyon Dawson, who went 6 of 11 en route to 16 points.

Northside's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Chaston Brown, who went 8 for 9 on his way to 17 points along with eight rebounds and six blocks. Brown is on a roll when it comes to blocks, as he's now posted two or more in the last four games he's played. Another player making a difference was Jordan Gaines, who went 7 of 12 en route to 17 points and eight boards.

Veterans has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 13-10 record this season. Those losses can't be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 60.8 points per game. As for Northside, they pushed their record up to 12-10 with the win, which was their third straight at home.

Veterans will take on Tift County at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Veterans knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with 55 points or more in their past three games -- so hopefully Tift County likes a good challenge. As for Northside, they will face off against Lee County at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Northside is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 53 points per game this season.