Basketball Game Preview: Ark City Christian Academy vs. Newton HomeSchool Panthers

Ark City Christian Academy will be defending their home court for the first time this season when they go up against the Newton HomeSchool Panthers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.

Ark City Christian Academy is headed into their home opener looking to turn things around after starting their season on the road. They were outmatched by Smoky Valley Home Educators and fell 66-21. Ark City Christian Academy just can't catch a break and has now endured five defeats in a row dating back to last season.

Newton HomeSchool fell on hard times earlier this season, but after back-to-back victories it seems like their luck might finally be changing. They came out on top against Non Varsity Tournament Opponent by a score of 45-35 on Saturday. That ten point margin sets a new team best for the Panthers this season.

Ark City Christian Academy better keep an eye on Theo Busenitz. He was instrumental in Newton HomeSchool's win, going 7 of 15 en route to 14 points and seven boards. Those 14 points gave Busenitz a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Caleb Mayhew, who went 6 for 10 on his way to 13 points.

Newton HomeSchool smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 20 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive boards they've managed all season.

Ark City Christian Academy took a serious blow against Newton HomeSchool in their previous matchup back in February of 2024, falling 64-18. That game was all but decided by halftime, at which point Ark City Christian Academy was down 36-8.