Basketball Game Preview: Palmetto Scholars Academy Phoenix vs. Charleston Math & Science Riptide

Palmetto Scholars Academy is 0-10 against Charleston Math & Science since January of 2020 but things could change on Wednesday. The Palmetto Scholars Academy Phoenix will face off against the Charleston Math & Science Riptide at 7:30 p.m. That matchup will pit two of the most dominant guards against one another: Maddox Austin and Ben Gilliard.

Last Friday, Palmetto Scholars Academy was beaten by Bethune-Bowman 67-11. While losing is never fun, the Phoenix can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' South Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 263rd, while the Mohawks are ranked 77th).

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Charleston Math & Science, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Friday. They walked away with a 57-47 win over Military Magnet Academy on Monday.

Charleston Math & Science's win came from a few key players Palmetto Scholars Academy will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Zion King, who posted 11 points in addition to five assists and five steals. King is crushing it when it comes to steals: he's grabbed at least two every time he's taken the court this season. Tristan Jackson was another key player, putting up 14 points and five boards.

Charleston Math & Science pushed their record up to 14-4 with the victory, which was their ninth straight at home. As for Palmetto Scholars Academy, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 4-11.

Palmetto Scholars Academy came up short against Charleston Math & Science in their previous matchup back in January, falling 70-58. A big factor in that loss was the dominant performance of Gilliard, who earned 27 points and seven rebounds. Now that Palmetto Scholars Academy knows the damage he can cause, will they be able to stop him this time? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.