Basketball Recap: Combine Academy Global Takes Loss Despite Strong Efforts from Siphelele Ngubane and John Stokes III

Combine Academy Global played a tough contest on Tuesday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They came up short against the Winston Salem Christian Lions, falling 59-37. While losing is never fun, the Goats can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 299th, while the Lions are ranked 101st).

John Stokes III

Rebounds

01/21/25 vs Winston Salem Christian	9
01/20/25 @ Greater Vision Academy	9
01/17/25 @ Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy	17
01/14/25 @ Davidson Day	8
01/09/25 @ Non Varsity Opponent	10
12/17/24 @ Quality Education Academy	12

Despite the loss, Combine Academy Global had strong showings from John Stokes III, who posted eight points and nine rebounds, and Siphelele Ngubane, who went 5 for 11 on his way to 12 points. Stokes III is on a roll when it comes to boards, as he's now pulled down eight or more in the last six games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Simbarashe Bete, who scored seven points and five rebounds.

Combine Academy Global has been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six games, which put a noticeable dent in their 9-9 record this season. That patch can't be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 55.7 points per game. As for Winston Salem Christian, their victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 11-5.

Combine Academy Global will be playing at home against Quality Education Academy Regional at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. As for Winston Salem Christian, they won't have much time to rest: their next match is against Lab University Prep Regional at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.