Basketball Game Preview: Grace Christian Patriots vs. New Jerusalem Christian Academy Eagles

Grace Christian has gone a perfect 6-0 against New Jerusalem Christian Academy recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Thursday. The Grace Christian Patriots will face off against the New Jerusalem Christian Academy Eagles at 8:00 p.m. Grace Christian is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.

Last Tuesday, Grace Christian made easy work of Family Christian Academy and carried off a 69-45 victory. The Patriots have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 14 matches by 21 points or more this season.

Will Hawes

Blocked Shots (Career)

02/11/25 vs Family Christian Academy	7
01/16/25 vs Heritage Christian School	5
02/04/25 @ New Jerusalem Christian Academy	3
01/28/25 @ Ruskin Christian	2
01/10/25 vs Providence Christian	2

Grace Christian got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Will Hawes out in front who made all 5 shots he took to post 13 points along with seven blocks and five boards. Those seven blocks gave Hawes a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Mark Dudley, who dropped a double-double with 17 points and ten rebounds.

Meanwhile, New Jerusalem Christian Academy had already proven themselves in the regular season and they didn't miss a beat now that it's playoff time. They secured a 48-44 W over North Kissimmee Christian on Tuesday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Eagles.

New Jerusalem Christian Academy found their leader in sophomore Jayden Reid, who went 6-for-9 to rack up 18 points in addition to eight boards and four steals. Reid has been hot recently, having posted three or more steals the last three times he's played. Elijah Marcellus was another key player, dropping a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Grace Christian pushed their record up to 21-0 with the victory, which was their 15th straight at home dating back to last season. As for New Jerusalem Christian Academy, their win bumped their record up to 16-7.

Grace Christian was able to grind out a solid victory over New Jerusalem Christian Academy in their previous matchup last Tuesday, winning 51-42. Does Grace Christian have another victory up their sleeve, or will New Jerusalem Christian Academy turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.