Basketball Recap: Halifax Academy Turns Things Around After Road Loss

There's no place like home for Halifax Academy, who bounced back after a loss on the road two weeks ago. They greeted the New Year with with a 43-29 win over the Thales Academy Rolesville Knights. For the Vikings, this counts as revenge for the 49-35 victory the Knights walked away with the last time they faced one another back in December of 2023.

Hayden Barlow had a dynamite game for Halifax Academy, going 8 of 19 on her way to 16 points and seven steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Karson Ricks, who posted six points and four steals.

Halifax Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive rebounds. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Thales Academy Rolesville only pulled down four offensive boards.

Thales Academy Rolesville's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Julia Van Valkenburg, who had 14 points and three steals. Van Valkenburg has been hot recently, having posted three or more steals the last four times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Mary Niebauer, who put up seven points along with seven boards and three steals.

Halifax Academy's record now sits at 5-6. As for Thales Academy Rolesville, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-6.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Halifax Academy will venture away from home to challenge Lawrence Academy at 6:30 p.m. on January 10th. As for Thales Academy Rolesville, they will head out on the road to square off against Friendship Christian at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday.