Basketball Game Preview: Hooper Academy Colts vs. Valiant Cross Academy Warriors

Having just played yesterday, the Hooper Academy Colts will jump right back in to play the Valiant Cross Academy Warriors at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Hooper Academy is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Wednesday. Everything went their way against Banks Academy as Hooper Academy made off with a 62-41 victory. Winning may never get old, but the Colts sure are getting used to it with their sixth in a row.

Meanwhile, Valiant Cross Academy entered their tilt with Bessemer Academy on Wednesday with two consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with three. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Rebels 67-40.

Valiant Cross Academy's win came from a few key players Hooper Academy will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Deshawn Hall, who dropped a double-double with 15 points and 12 boards. He is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down eight or more in the last 53 games he's played dating back to last season. Another player making a difference was Jordan Archie, who went 9-for-12 to rack up 18 points and five boards.

Valiant Cross 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 21 offensive rebounds in four consecutive games.

Hooper Academy's record now sits at 25-1. As for Valiant Cross Academy, their record now sits at 24-5.

Hooper Academy won a contest that couldn't have been any closer when the teams last played two weeks ago, slipping by Valiant Cross Academy 53-52. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Hall, who dropped a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Hooper Academy still be able to contain Hall? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.