Basketball Recap: Ardrey Kell Extends Winning Streak to Five

Knights

Previous 5 Games

01/31/25 vs Berry	53-49
01/28/25 @ Ballantyne Ridge	74-44
01/24/25 @ Cuthbertson	62-49
01/23/25 @ South Mecklenburg	72-69
01/20/25 @ Legion Collegiate Academy	74-47

Ardrey Kell came tearing into Friday's game with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 18.3 points) and they left with even more momentum. They came within four points of losing the streak, but they secured a 53-49 W against the Berry Cardinals. Given the Knights' advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 67th, while the Cardinals are ranked 256th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Ardrey Kell's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Brett Freeman led the charge by going 9-for-19 on his way to 21 points. Freeman has been hot, having posted 15 or more points the last five times he's played. Another player making a difference was Bryceton Thomas, who went 5-for-12 to rack up 11 points in addition to eight boards and five blocks.

When it comes to explaining why Berry lost, don't look at Jkhai McManus-Wade. Despite the final result, he dropped a double-double with 16 points and ten rebounds. What's more, McManus-Wade also racked up three assists, the most he's had since back in December of 2024. Kentrell Ellis was another key player, dropping a double-double with ten points and ten boards.

Ardrey Kell's record now sits at 17-3. As for Berry, they have traveled a rocky road recently having lost nine of their last 12 matches, which has put a noticeable dent in their 7-14 record this season.

Ardrey Kell wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next contest, a 77-47 loss against Myers Park on the 4th. As for Berry, they have also already played their next game, a 55-36 victory against Ballantyne Ridge on the 4th.