Basketball Game Preview: Rye Thunderbolts vs. The Vanguard School Coursers

The Rye Thunderbolts will venture away from home to face off against The Vanguard School Coursers at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.

Rye took a loss when they played away from home on Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Wednesday. They managed a 61-55 win over James Irwin.

Isaiah Guzman

Points

02/19/25 vs James Irwin	28
02/03/25 @ Ellicott	22
12/21/24 vs Dolores Huerta Prep	21
12/06/24 vs Granada	16
01/22/25 vs Colorado Springs Christian	14
+ 12 more games

Rye's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Isaiah Guzman led the charge by putting up 28 points. Guzman is becoming a predictor of Rye's success: when he posts at least 20 points the team is undefeated (and 4-12 when he doesn't). Axton Ehrlich was another key player, dropping a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Rye was working as a unit and finished the game with 19 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as James Irwin only eight assists.

Meanwhile, The Vanguard School waltzed into their game on Thursday with four straight wins... but they left with five. They came within five points of losing the streak, but they secured a 63-58 W against the Spartans.

Rye's record now sits at 7-12. As for The Vanguard School, their record is now 14-4.

Rye ended up a good deal behind The Vanguard School when the teams last played back in February of 2024, losing 61-43. Can Rye avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.