Basketball Game Preview: Palm Grove Christian Gators vs. Central Baptist Christian Lions

Palm Grove Christian is on a three-game streak of home losses, Central Baptist Christian a six-game streak of away losses dating back to last season, but someone's luck will change on Friday. The Palm Grove Christian Gators will welcome the Central Baptist Christian Lions at 6:00 p.m. Palm Grove Christian is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 52.4 points per game this season.

Having struggled with three losses in a row, Palm Grove Christian turned things around against The Classical Academy of Sarasota on Tuesday. They were the clear victor by a 58-35 margin over the Patriots. The Gators have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won five contests by 23 points or more this season.

Palm Grove Christian's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Jeremiah Pitts, who went 7 of 12 on his way to 15 points and seven steals. Pitts is on a roll when it comes to steals, as he's now grabbed two or more in the last three games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Gabe Troyer, who went 5 of 12 on his way to 11 points in addition to five boards and four steals.

Meanwhile, Central Baptist Christian took a blow against Grace Christian on Monday, falling 72-42. While losing is never fun, the Lions can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 773rd, while the Patriots are ranked 236th).

Central Baptist Christian's defeat dropped their record down to 0-7. As for Palm Grove Christian, their victory bumped their record up to 7-8.

Palm Grove Christian was able to grind out a solid win over Central Baptist Christian in their previous meeting back in December of 2024, winning 52-42. Does Palm Grove Christian have another victory up their sleeve, or will Central Baptist Christian turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.