Basketball Game Preview: Donahue Catholic Shamrocks vs. Naples Classical Academy

Donahue Catholic is a perfect 8-0 against Naples Classical since December of 2022 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Saturday. The Shamrocks will host the Academy at 3:00 p.m. Naples Classical took a loss in their last matchup and will be looking to turn the tables on Donahue Catholic, who comes in off a win.

Donahue Catholic is headed into the contest after thoroughly thrashing The Village School of Naples: they outscored them in every quarter. Given that consistent dominance, it should come as no surprise that the Shamrocks blew the Knights out of the water with an 81-32 final score. The Shamrocks haven't had any issues with the Knights recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive victory against them.

Donahue Catholic's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Isaac Loboda, who went 6-for-12 on his way to 19 points in addition to six rebounds and three steals. The game was Loboda's third in a row with at least 19 points. Another player making a difference was Vincenzo Esposito, who shot 71% from the field to rack up 15 points.

Meanwhile, Naples Classical had to start their season on the road on Tuesday, and it wasn't the start they were hoping for. They took a blow against Imagine School at North Port, falling 81-21. Sadly, the loss continues a streak the team started last season, making it eight in a row.

Donahue Catholic was able to grind out a solid victory over Naples Classical in their previous meeting back in January, winning 62-49. Do the Shamrocks have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Academy turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.