Basketball Recap: Jaxzin Riccius' Big Game Can't Quite Lead Smith Academy over Eastside

Smith Academy played a tough matchup on Wednesday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They came up short against the Eastside Blazers, falling 61-35. The Fighting 54th have struggled against the Blazers recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive lost matchup.

Smith Academy's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jaxzin Riccius, who posted six points in addition to seven rebounds and five steals. Amani Hatch was another key player, almost dropping a double-double with ten points and nine boards.

Nolan Baker went supernova For Eastside., going 8-for-12 to rack up 19 points along with seven rebounds and five blocks. Another player making a difference was Quentin Dickerhoff, who scored eight points in addition to six boards and four blocks.

Smith Academy's loss dropped their record down to 0-2. As for Eastside, the win got them back to even at 1-1.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Smith Academy will welcome Noble-Whitley Warriors at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Eastside, they will be playing at home against Fort Wayne Canterbury at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.