Basketball Game Preview: Hope Christian Academy Lions vs. Westwood Christian Warriors

Hope Christian Academy is 7-2 against Westwood Christian since December of 2021 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Lions will be playing in front of their home fans against the Warriors at 7:30 p.m.

After dropping their season opener at home, Westwood Christian is headed out to face a Lions squad ready to give their home crowd a win. Hope Christian Academy was outmatched by Keystone Heights and fell 53-24. The Lions haven't had much luck with the Indians recently, as the team has come up short the last eight times they've met.

Despite the defeat, Hope Christian Academy had strong showings from Grant Timonere, who posted 18 points, and Noah Gaffney, who put up four points along with six rebounds and three steals.

Meanwhile, Westwood Christian had to kick off their season on the road on Monday, but they showed no ill effects. They strolled past Open Bible Christian with points to spare, taking the game 51-33. Westwood Christian hasn't had any issues with Open Bible Christian recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.

Hope Christian Academy better keep an eye on Avery Thomas. He was instrumental in Westwood Christian's win, dropping a double-double with 17 points and 13 boards. Thomas has been hot recently, having posted nine or more rebounds the last three times he's played. Another player making a difference was Jake Kirkland, who almost dropped a double-double with nine points and 12 boards.

Hope Christian Academy couldn't quite get it done against Westwood Christian when the teams last played back in February as they fell 39-26. Thankfully for the Lions, Tripp Kirkland (who dropped a double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.