Basketball Recap: Excelsior Classical Academy Comes Up Short

Excelsior Classical Academy was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their eighth straight loss. They were beaten by the Oxford Prep Griffins 51-18. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Flying Lions of the 50-11 defeat they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in February of 2024.

Arihanna Williams

Steals

02/13/25 @ Oxford Prep	3
02/12/25 vs Roxboro Community	4
02/07/25 @ Vance Charter	3
01/31/25 vs Eno River Academy	3
01/28/25 @ Discovery Charter School	4
01/27/25 vs Cristo Rey Research Triangle	4

Despite the loss, Excelsior Classical Academy saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Arihanna Williams posted 14 points along with eight boards and three steals. Williams has been hot, having posted three or more steals the last six times she's played. Shadiamond Francis Service was another key player, putting up four points.

Excelsior Classical Academy's defeat dropped their record down to 4-16. As for Oxford Prep, the victory was the third in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 8-10.

While Excelsior Classical Academy had to take the loss, they won't have to wait long to give it another shot: the pair's next game is a rematch scheduled at 5:00 p.m. on Friday.