Basketball Game Preview: First Assembly Christian Lions vs. Glen Iris Baptist Swordsmen

First Assembly Christian is on a four-game streak of home wins, while Glen Iris Baptist is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The First Assembly Christian Lions will host the Glen Iris Baptist Swordsmen at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. First Assembly Christian's defense has only allowed 29.3 points per game this season, so Glen Iris Baptist's offense will have their work cut out for them.

It was a proper cat-fight when First Assembly Christian faced off against Trinity Christian on Tuesday. First Assembly Christian put the hurt on Trinity Christian with a sharp 48-24 victory. The Lions have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won four games by 24 points or more this season.

First Assembly Christian's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Kate McVey led the charge by going 5 of 11 en route to 11 points and six steals. McVey continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played. Claire Brown was another key player, putting up eight points and six steals.

Meanwhile, Glen Iris Baptist earned a 45-33 win over Chilton Christian Academy on Monday. Given the Swordsmen's advantage in MaxPreps' Alabama basketball rankings (they are ranked 108th, while the Patriots are ranked 276th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

First Assembly Christian better keep an eye on Eva Jones. She was instrumental in Glen Iris Baptist's win, posting 11 points in addition to eight rebounds and seven steals. Jones is becoming a predictor of Glen Iris Baptist's success: when she posts at least five steals the team is undefeated (and 1-2 when she doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Rebekah Everett, who posted eight points along with seven assists and three steals.

First Assembly Christian has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matches, which provided a nice bump to their 6-3 record this season. Those victories came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 21.2 points per game. As for Glen Iris Baptist, their victory bumped their record up to 9-2.

First Assembly Christian was taken down by Glen Iris Baptist 46-19 in their previous matchup back in November of 2024. That contest was all but decided by halftime, at which point First Assembly Christian was down 28-6.