Basketball Recap: Ascend Leadership Takes a Loss

Ascend Leadership was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their 11th straight loss. They fell 37-27 to the Southern Wake Academy Lions. The Aviators were up 20-6 in the second quarter but couldn't hold on to the lead.

Despite the defeat, Ascend Leadership saw an underclassman step up: freshman Kimari Cross dropped a double-double on 15 points and ten boards. What's more, Cross also racked up eight steals, the most she's had since back in November of 2024. Another player making a difference was Samara Tranquille, who posted three points in addition to six rebounds and five steals.

Aviators

Previous Games

01/31/25 @ Southern Wake Academy	27-37
01/29/25 @ Woods Charter	26-48
01/28/25 @ Chatham Charter	26-56
01/24/25 vs Clover Garden School	19-40
01/17/25 vs Triangle Math & Science	17-41
+ 6 more games

Even though they lost, Ascend Leadership smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in 17 consecutive contests.

Ascend Leadership's loss dropped their record down to 2-15. As for Southern Wake Academy, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 5-8.

Coincidentally, both will both be playing Woods Charter the next time they take the court. Southern Wake Academy will head out to face Woods Charter at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, while Ascend Leadership will host them at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.