Basketball Game Preview: Pinecrest Academy Paladins vs. Fideles Christian Rangers + How To Watch

Two dominant forwards in Michael Lynch and Eli Shadburn are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Pinecrest Academy Paladins will venture away from home to square off against the Fideles Christian Rangers at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

On Tuesday, Pinecrest Academy didn't have too much trouble with Victory Baptist as they won 62-44. The victory was all the more spectacular given the Paladins' disadvantage in MaxPreps' Georgia basketball rankings (they are ranked 309th, while the Warrior are ranked 120th).

Nick Keyman

Steals

12/16/25 @ Victory Baptist	4
12/10/25 @ St. John Bosco Academy	3
12/08/25 @ The King's Academy	5
12/04/25 @ Cornerstone Prep Academy	2
12/02/25 @ Fulton Science Academy	2
11/18/25 vs North Georgia HomeSchool	3

Pinecrest Academy's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Nick Keyman, who went 9-for-17 to rack up 20 points along with eight assists and four steals. Keyman is crushing it when it comes to steals: he's grabbed at least two every time he's taken the court this season. Colton Reilly was another key player, dropping a double-double with ten points and ten boards.

Meanwhile, Fideles Christian earned a 54-41 win over Covenant Christian Academy on Tuesday. The Rangers haven't had any issues with the Rams recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.

Pinecrest Academy now has a winning record of 4-3. As for Fideles Christian, their record is now 5-8.

Pinecrest Academy didn't have too much breathing room in their contest against Fideles Christian in their previous matchup back in January of 2024, but they still walked away with a 73-67 win. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was the Rangers' Gabe Reynolds, who posted 29 points and five rebounds. Now that he won't be playing on Friday, will it be easier for the Paladins to walk away with another win? There's only one way to find out.