Basketball Recap: Ascend Leadership Takes a Loss

Ascend Leadership was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their eighth straight loss. They lost 40-19 to the Clover Garden School Grizzlies. Sadly, that's the second time they've come up short against the Aviators this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 39-24 back in December of 2024.

Despite the loss, Ascend Leadership still got an impressive performance from Kimari Cross, who almost dropped a double-double on nine points and 14 rebounds. Cross has been hot recently, having posted nine or more boards the last three times she's played. Samara Tranquille was another key player, putting up no points along with 11 rebounds and five steals.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Clover Garden School to victory, but perhaps none more so than Hanna Tickle, who dropped a double-double on 20 points and ten steals. That makes it 14 consecutive games in which Tickle has scored at least a third of Clover Garden School's points. Another player making a difference was Brandi Markham, who posted six points in addition to seven boards and five steals.

Ascend Leadership's defeat dropped their record down to 2-12. As for Clover Garden School, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 10-4.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Ascend Leadership will challenge Chatham Charter at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Clover Garden School, they will head out to face off against Southern Wake Academy at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.