Preview: Challenger Firebirds vs. Long Shoals Wesleyan Academy Crusaders
Challenger is 3-0 against Long Shoals Wesleyan Academy since November of 2021, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Challenger Firebirds will head out on the road to face off against the Long Shoals Wesleyan Academy Crusaders at 4:30 p.m. Having both just faced considerable losses, both teams are looking to turn things around.
Challenger suffered their biggest loss since November 14, 2023 on Tuesday. They were dealt a 64-36 defeat at the hands of Christian Family Academy. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat Challenger has suffered against Christian Family Academy since March 9, 2021.
Riley Annis put forth a good effort for the losing side as he scored 12 points along with six rebounds and four steals. Another player making a difference was Braelon Roe, who scored eight points along with six rebounds and five assists.
Meanwhile, this season hasn't been kind to Long Shoals Wesleyan Academy, who are still winless after their eighth matchup. They had to suffer through a rough 83-22 loss at the hands of Lake Lure Classical Academy. The final score was a far cry from the score of their previous head-to-head, which saw the teams combine for zero points.
This is the second loss in a row for Challenger and nudges their season record down to 3-9. As for Long Shoals Wesleyan Academy, their loss was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season, which bumped their record down to 0-8.
Challenger beat Long Shoals Wesleyan Academy 58-49 in their previous matchup back in December of 2023. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Long Shoals Wesleyan Academy's Josiah Whitmire, who dropped a double-double on 30 points and 13 rebounds. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Challenger still be able to contain him? There's only one way to find out.
