Basketball Game Preview: Ballou Knights vs. KIPP College Prep Panthers

The Ballou Knights will challenge the KIPP College Prep Panthers at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Ballou is coming into the matchup on a three-game losing streak.

Ballou is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of District of Columbia's top teams: Coolidge, who was ranked fifth at the time (Ballou was ranked 16th). Ballou fell 57-45 to Coolidge on Wednesday.

Ballou's defeat came about despite a quality game from Ryheem Benton, who posted 13 points. Antonio King was another key player, putting up eight points.

Meanwhile, KIPP College Prep was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were outmatched by Friendship Tech Prep Academy and fell 91-33. The game marked the Panthers' lowest-scoring contest so far this season.

KIPP College Prep's defeat dropped their record down to 9-9. As for Ballou, their loss dropped their record down to 11-10.

Everything came up roses for Ballou against KIPP College Prep when the teams last played back in December of 2023, as the squad secured a 62-25 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Ballou since the team won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.