Basketball Recap: Smith Academy Drops Season-High Score on Harlan Christian

Fighting 54th

Team Score (Highest)

12/15/25 vs Harlan Christian	56
12/09/25 vs Noble-Whitley Warriors	45
11/25/25 vs Fremont	40
12/13/25 @ Clinton Christian	37
12/11/25 @ Oak Farm Montessori	36

Winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Smith Academy). The stars were shining brightly for them in a 56-42 win over Harlan Christian on Monday. The Fighting 54th have beaten Harlan Christian the last three times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest Harlan Christian has come to flipping the script.

Smith Academy found their leader in freshman Judah Smith, who shot 45% from the field to rack up 26 points in addition to eight rebounds and five assists. Another player making a difference was Demond Starks, who posted 15 points along with five boards and five steals.

Smith Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 22 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in three consecutive contests.

Smith Academy's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-5. As for Harlan Christian, their loss dropped their record down to 1-1.

Smith Academy and Harlan Christian will both get a bit of extra prep time before their next matchups. The next time the Fighting 54th see the court they'll take on North White at 2:00 p.m. on January 2, 2026. As for Harlan Christian, their break will end when they face Emmanuel Christian at 6:00 p.m. on January 23, 2026.