Basketball Recap: Gaston Christian Skates Past Hickory Grove Christian with Ease

Gaston Christian won the last time they faced Hickory Grove Christian and things went their way on Tuesday too. The Gaston Christian Eagles really took it to the Hickory Grove Christian Lions for the full four quarters, racking up a 74-42 victory. Given the Eagles' advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 21st, while the Lions are ranked 209th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Gaston Christian got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Rilpuou Mabor Marier out in front who went 5 of 9 on his way to 11 points in addition to six boards and five blocks. Another player making a difference was Kendall Southern, who went 5 for 7 en route to 10 points and three steals.

Gaston Christian was working as a unit and finished the game with 21 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Hickory Grove Christian only posted three assists.

Despite the loss, Hickory Grove Christian saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Tristan Nelson posted 12 points. The team also got some help courtesy of Micah Bradley, who put up nine points.

Eagles

Previous 2 Games

01/28/25 vs Hickory Grove Christian	74-42
01/24/25 @ Gaston Day	71-52

The victory made it two in a row for Gaston Christian and bumps their season record up to 19-7. As for Hickory Grove Christian, their defeat dropped their record down to 11-11.

Gaston Christian will host Carmel Christian at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Gaston Christian is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 61 points per game this season. As for Hickory Grove Christian, they are taking a road trip to take on Concord Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Concord Academy knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 55 points or more in their past seven contests -- so hopefully Hickory Grove Christian likes a good challenge.