The North Valley Christian Academy Lions will challenge the Lincoln Prep Lightning at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday. North Valley Christian Academy has given up an average of 9.5 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Things were looking good for North Valley Christian Academy after they put the first points on the board on Monday, but unfortunately for them things went downhill from there. They lost 12-5 to Arizona Lutheran Academy. The Lions have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Brayden Collins
| 03/24/25 vs Arizona Lutheran Academy | 3 |
| 02/28/25 @ Scottsdale Christian Academy | 2 |
| 03/22/25 @ Hayden | 1 |
| 03/19/25 vs Tempe Prep | 1 |
| 03/18/25 @ Heritage Academy | 1 |
Brayden Collins was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. On the mound, he struck out 11 batters over 6.2 innings while giving up five earned (and two unearned) runs off 11 hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, going 1-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high.
Collins wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Sam Primack, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4. Those three hits gave Primack a new career-high. Jacob Bradley also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Even though they lost, North Valley Christian Academy lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, after low-scoring totals in their previous three contests, Lincoln Prep brought some dynamite into their most recent game. They never let Miami get on the board and left with a 10-0 win on Friday. The victory was some much needed relief for the Lightning as it spelled an end to their four-game losing streak.
Finn Dilley made a big impact no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 14 over six innings pitched. He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Lincoln Prep is 2-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 0-4-1 otherwise. Dilley was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 1-for-3.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Cash Luce, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. Lincoln Prep is 2-1 when Luce posts two or more runs, but 0-4-1 otherwise. Karson Smith was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Lincoln Prep's win bumped their record up to 2-5-1. As for North Valley Christian Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 2-11-1.
Everything went North Valley Christian Academy's way against Lincoln Prep in their previous meeting back in April of 2024, as North Valley Christian Academy made off with an 11-4 victory. Will North Valley Christian Academy repeat their success, or does Lincoln Prep has a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
