The Franklin Academy Patriots are taking a road trip to square off against the Wake Prep Academy Guardians at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Franklin Academy has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.
On Friday, Franklin Academy didn't have too much trouble with Research Triangle as they won 49-32.
Bella DeLiso
| 02/07/25 @ Research Triangle | 14 |
| 01/16/25 vs Wake Prep Academy | 10 |
| 01/14/25 vs North Johnston | 8 |
| 01/24/25 vs East Wake Academy | 6 |
| 02/05/25 vs Vance Charter | 2 |
Franklin Academy found their leader in freshman Bella DeLiso, who went 7 of 12 to rack up 14 points along with six rebounds and four steals. Those 14 points gave DeLiso a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Elizabeth Brown, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and ten boards.
Franklin Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive rebounds in three consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Wake Prep Academy had already won ten in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 27.8 points) and they went ahead and made it 11 on Friday. They took their contest with ease, bagging a 45-17 win over the Unicorns. The Guardians have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 11 games by 20 points or more this season.
Franklin Academy better focus on containing Journey Johnson and Zanasha Bolden as the pair were huge in Wake Prep Academy's win. Johnson went 7 for 14 en route to 15 points and five steals, while Bolden posted nine points in addition to eight steals and five rebounds. Bolden is crushing it when it comes to steals: she's grabbed at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Another player making a difference was Beanie Ballman, who earned nine points and three steals.
Wake Prep Academy's victory was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 17-3. The wins came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 28.2 points over those games. As for Franklin Academy, the win got them back to even at 10-10.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Franklin Academy has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 37.3 boards per game. However, it's not like Wake Prep Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 30.4 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Franklin Academy suffered a grim 57-35 defeat to Wake Prep Academy in their previous meeting back in January. Can Franklin Academy avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
