Basketball Game Preview: Kerr-Vance Academy Spartans vs. Harrells Christian Academy Crusaders

The Kerr-Vance Academy Spartans will square off against the Harrells Christian Academy Crusaders at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Having struggled with seven losses in a row, Kerr-Vance Academy turned things around against Neuse Christian Academy back in December of 2024. The stars were shining brightly for them in a 43-27 win over the Lions.

Kerr-Vance Academy's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Lj Siplen, who went 9 for 17 on his way to 21 points in addition to six boards and three steals. The game was Siplen's third in a row with at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of M.J. Wright, who posted seven points along with eight rebounds and four steals.

Kerr-Vance Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've posted since back in December of 2023.

Meanwhile, Harrells Christian Academy entered their tilt with Northwood Temple Academy on Friday with three consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with four. They took down the Eagles 79-61. Given the Crusaders' advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 24th, while the Eagles are ranked 87th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Kerr-Vance Academy's victory ended a nine-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 2-11. As for Harrells Christian Academy, they are on a roll lately: they've won 12 of their last 13 contests, which provided a nice bump to their 17-2 record this season.

Kerr-Vance Academy took a serious blow against Harrells Christian Academy in their previous matchup back in February of 2024, falling 68-27. That matchup was all but decided by halftime, at which point Kerr-Vance Academy was down 44-11.