Basketball Recap: DANIEL DEMI's Big Game Can't Quite Lead DME Academy Blue over Southland Christian

DME Academy Blue was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They lost 78-52 to the Southland Christian FLAMES. While losing is never fun, the - can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 395th, while the FLAMES are ranked 42nd).

DANIEL DEMI

Rebounds (Career)

12/19/24 vs Southland Christian	17
12/04/24 vs Central Pointe Christian Academy	14
11/30/24 vs Tournament Opponent	13
11/12/24 vs Deltona	11
11/03/24 vs Varsity Opponent	11

DME Academy Blue lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being DANIEL DEMI, who dropped a double-double on 14 points and 17 boards. The dominant performance gave DEMI a new career-high in rebounds. RORY LUZIER was another key player, going 6 of 9 on his way to 15 points.

Southland Christian's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Sebastian Rivera led the charge by dropping a triple-double on 18 points, ten assists, and ten steals. Rivera is on a roll when it comes to points, as he's now scored 15 or more in the last nine games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Yasdiel Rodriguez, who went 11 of 14 on his way to 24 points.

DME Academy Blue's loss dropped their record down to 11-9. As for Southland Christian, they pushed their record up to 17-1 with the win, which was their third straight on the road.

DME Academy Blue wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next match, a 98-65 defeat against New Smyrna Beach on the 20th. As for Southland Christian, they will have some time to savor their victory since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Hope Academy at 7:30 p.m. on January 7, 2025.