The DeSoto Thunderbirds will square off against the Sylva Bay Academy Saints at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. DeSoto is coming into the contest hot, having won their last 13 games.
DeSoto is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Saturday. They took down Tunica Academy 49-35. Given the Thunderbirds' advantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 71st in Arkansas, while the Blue Devils are ranked 235th in Mississippi), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
| 02/08/25 vs Tunica Academy | 4 |
| 02/07/25 vs Benton Academy | 0 |
| 02/04/25 vs Deer Creek | 2 |
| 02/01/25 vs Tunica Academy | 1 |
| 01/30/25 vs West Memphis Christian | 1 |
| + 11 more games |
DeSoto got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Kylee Jo Holder out in front who went 5 for 10 to rack up 10 points along with six boards and three steals. What's more, Holder also racked up four assists, the most she's had since back in December of 2024. Another player making a difference was Allie Reynolds, who posted eight points in addition to six rebounds and three steals.
DeSoto smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 14 offensive rebounds in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Sylva Bay Academy didn't have quite enough to beat Newton County Academy on Saturday and fell 46-43. The Saints haven't had much luck with the Generals recently, as the team's come up short the last seven times they've met.
DeSoto will need to focus on slowing down Sydney Poole, one of several Sylva Bay Academy players who made an impact when they last played. She scored nine points along with eight boards and four steals. Poole has been hot recently, having posted two or more steals the last four times she's played. Livy Shumock was another key player, almost dropping a double-double with nine points and 11 rebounds.
DeSoto's record is now 31-3. As for Sylva Bay Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 14-13.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: DeSoto has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 27 boards per game. However, it's not like Sylva Bay Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 28.3 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other basketball content.
