Basketball Recap: Kimari Cross' Big Game Can't Quite Lead Ascend Leadership over American Leadership Academy-Johnston

Ascend Leadership was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their 13th straight defeat. They were four points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 33-29 heartbreaker at the hands of the American Leadership Academy-Johnston Patriots. The Aviators were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Patriots earlier this season, when they won 44-23.

Kimari Cross

Steals

02/05/25 @ American Leadership Academy-Johnston	8
02/04/25 vs Woods Charter	3
01/31/25 @ Southern Wake Academy	8
01/29/25 @ Woods Charter	4
01/28/25 @ Chatham Charter	4

Ascend Leadership lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Kimari Cross, who posted 11 points in addition to eight steals and eight blocks. Cross has been hot, having posted three or more steals the last five times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Samara Tranquille, who scored three points along with 11 steals, seven rebounds, and four blocks.

Ascend Leadership's loss dropped their record down to 2-17. As for American Leadership Academy-Johnston, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-15.

Ascend Leadership didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next matchup, a 31-26 victory against River Mill on the 7th. American Leadership Academy-Johnston does not have any more games scheduled as of now.