Preview: Upson-Lee Knights vs. Pike County Pirates
Upson-Lee is 9-0 against Pike County since December of 2016, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. Both teams will face off at 6:00 p.m. on January 19th without much rest after finishing up games yesterday. Pike County took a loss in their last matchup and will be looking to turn the tables on Upson-Lee, who comes in off a win.
Last Wednesday, Upson-Lee strolled past Jackson with points to spare, taking the game 55-39.
Upson-Lee found their leader in underclassman Amiya Cromer, who scored 23 points. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Cromer has scored all season. Another player making a difference was Ja'kalah Holmes, who scored ten points.
While Pike County couldn't quite beat Jasper County on Thursday, the two-point margin was a huge improvement compared to the 36-point defeat they were dealt on Wednesday. Pike County fell just short of Jasper County by a score of 43-41. Pike County's loss continues an unfortunate trend for the team, making it three in a row.
Despite their defeat, Pike County saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Maliyah Holmes, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and 12 rebounds, was perhaps the best of all. Holmes hasn't dropped below eight rebounds for seven straight games. The team also got some help courtesy of Sadie Lewis, who scored nine points.
Upson-Lee's victory ended a four-game drought on the road and puts them at 6-11. As for Pike County, their loss dropped their record down to 7-5.
Everything came up roses for Upson-Lee against Pike County in their previous meeting back in February of 2023 as the squad secured a 75-23 victory. With Upson-Lee ahead 49-12 at the half, the matchup was all but over already.
