Basketball Game Preview: Lamar Raiders vs. East Rankin Academy Patriots

The Lamar Raiders will square off against the East Rankin Academy Patriots at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Lamar is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 51.4 points per game this season.

Lamar is headed into the matchup out to prove that what happened against Simpson Academy on Tuesday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Lamar lost 66-45 to Simpson Academy. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Raiders have suffered against the Cougars since December 16, 2021.

Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Blake Hart, who posted 14 points and five rebounds. She is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last four games she's played. Aryah Grace was another key player, almost dropping a double-double on 15 points and nine boards.

Meanwhile, East Rankin Academy faced Leake Academy in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Tuesday. East Rankin Academy secured a 43-39 W over Leake Academy. The win was familiar territory for the Patriots who have now won four contests in a row.

East Rankin Academy pushed their record up to 25-2 with the victory, which was their 14th straight at home dating back to last season. Those victories came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 61.7 points per game. As for Lamar, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 13-9.

Lamar lost to East Rankin Academy at home by a decisive 47-31 margin in their previous matchup back in February of 2024. Will Lamar have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more basketball content.