Basketball Game Preview: Wake Prep Academy Guardians vs. North Johnston Panthers

The Wake Prep Academy Guardians will wrap up 2024 with a road trip to face off against the North Johnston Panthers at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams have allowed few points on average, (Wake Prep Academy: 29.5, North Johnston: 17.3) so any points scored will be well earned.

While Wake Prep Academy didn't have the best season last year (they finished 6-13), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They took down St. Thomas More Academy 56-42 on Monday.

Wake Prep Academy found their leader in freshman Beanie Ballman, who went 6 of 14 on her way to 13 points and seven steals. Ballman is crushing it when it comes to steals: she's grabbed at least three every time she's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Olivia Langton, who posted 12 points.

Meanwhile, North Johnston put another one in the bag last Friday to keep their perfect season alive. They claimed a resounding 58-18 victory over South Granville. The Panthers have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won five games by 29 points or more this season.

Wake Prep Academy's win was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 6-2. The wins came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 29.0 points per game. As for North Johnston, their victory bumped their record up to 7-0.