Basketball Game Preview: First Baptist Academy Lions vs. Neumann Celtics

First Baptist Academy hasn't had much luck against Neumann recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The First Baptist Academy Lions will challenge the Neumann Celtics. That match will pit two of the most dominant guards against one another: Zara Leilani Stewart and Mylee Van De Wouw.

Last Friday, First Baptist Academy ended up a good deal behind Gateway and lost 46-32.

Meanwhile, it can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but Neumann had no problem doing just that on Monday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Seahawks 60-24. The Celtics have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won ten games by 23 points or more this season.

First Baptist Academy better keep an eye on Van De Wouw. She was instrumental in Neumann's win, going 7 of 15 en route to 16 points in addition to seven rebounds and four steals. What's more, Van De Wouw also racked up four assists, the most she's had since back in January of 2024. Gracyn Crosby was another key player, putting up nine points along with five boards and five steals.

Neumann smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 24 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.

Neumann has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 12 of their last 14 contests, which provided a nice bump to their 15-11 record this season. The wins came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 29.4 points per game. As for First Baptist Academy, their defeat ended a four-game streak of away wins and brought them to 17-5.

First Baptist Academy strolled past Neumann when the teams last played back in December of 2024 by a score of 48-34. The rematch might be a little tougher for First Baptist Academy since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.