Basketball Recap: Oliver Balai's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Jefferson Christian Academy over Southwest Virginia Academy

Jefferson Christian Academy lost against Southwest Virginia Academy back in February, and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. The Jefferson Christian Academy Cardinals fell just short of the Southwest Virginia Academy Conquerors by a score of 59-57. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Cardinals have suffered since January 23, 2024.

Oliver Balai

Points (Career)

02/28/25 vs Southwest Virginia Academy	16
11/14/24 vs Carlisle	9
11/30/24 @ Carlisle	8
02/10/25 @ Southwest Virginia Academy	7
02/07/25 vs Cumberland Christian Home Educators	7

Jefferson Christian Academy's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Oliver Balai, who went 7-for-13 to rack up 16 points along with seven rebounds and six assists. The dominant performance gave Balai a new career-high in points. The team also got some help courtesy of Brodie Dunbar, who shot 45% from the field on his way to 14 points.

Southwest Virginia Academy's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Gabriel Bishop, who dropped a double-double with 13 points and ten boards. Jude Shelor was another key player, almost dropping a double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds.

Jefferson Christian Academy's loss dropped their record down to 12-17. As for Southwest Virginia Academy, they are on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 18-12 record this season.

Jefferson Christian Academy didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next contest, a 56-49 defeat against Independent Athletic Ministries on the 6th. As for Southwest Virginia Academy, they have also already played their next game, a 60-48 win against Cornerstone Prep on the 6th.