Basketball Recap: James Irwin Takes a Loss

James Irwin was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their seventh straight defeat. They were outmatched by the Liberty Tree Academy War Eagles and fell 69-38. The Jaguars were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the War Eagles apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in January of 2024.

Jonathan Kimble

Blocked Shots

02/21/25 @ Liberty Tree Academy	3
02/19/25 @ Rye	3
02/17/25 @ The Vanguard School	3

Jonathan Kimble and Abdoulaye Ballo certainly did their best on Friday to avoid the loss. Kimble dropped a double-double with 22 points and 16 boards, while Ballo posted 14 points in addition to eight rebounds and five blocks. Kimble is also on a roll when it comes to blocks, as he's now posted three or more in each of the last three games he's played.

Even though they lost, James Irwin smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards in three consecutive games.

Liberty Tree Academy found their leader in sophomore Wesley Rains, who dropped a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Rains has scored all season. Another player making a difference was Kaleb Mendez, who scored 14 points along with eight boards and seven steals.

James Irwin's record now sits at 2-15. As for Liberty Tree Academy, they are on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-10 record this season.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. James Irwin will challenge Thomas MacLaren School at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Thomas MacLaren School is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 55.9 points per game this season. As for Liberty Tree Academy, they will host Pikes Peak Christian at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.