Basketball Recap: KIPP P Comes Up Short

KIPP P extended their losing streak (dating back to last season) to six on Friday, dropping them down to 0-5. They were five points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 53-48 heartbreaker at the hands of the Pasquotank County Panthers. While losing is never fun, the Pride can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 498th, while the Panthers are ranked 69th).

Despite the loss, KIPP P still got an impressive performance from Jihad Baker, who shot 50% from the field en route to 21 points along with five assists and five boards. That was a full 43.8% of the Pride's points, marking the third time in a row Baker has posted more than a third of the team's points. D'Amari Pride was another key player, going 5-for-8 on his way to 10 points in addition to five rebounds and three steals.

As for Pasquotank County, their win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 6-0. While they didn't have the best season last year (they finished 8-15), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.

Pasquotank County was led to victory by Trey Barnes and Branden Smith. Barnes dropped a double-double with 15 points and ten boards, while Smith shot 50% from the field to rack up 21 points. The contest was Smith's sixth in a row with at least 15 points. Another player making a difference was Ryan Whidbee, who had three points and 19 rebounds.

Looking ahead, KIPP P will take on Northwest Halifax Collegiate & Technical Academy in a tournament on the 27th. The Pride's defense better be ready for this one: the Vikings have averaged an impressive 53.5 points per game this season. Pasquotank County and Greater Destiny Prep Academy will round out the year against one another at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Panthers will be up against the Warriors' rather soft defense (which has allowed 55.5 points per matchup), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.