If the IMG Academy Blue Ascenders were riding high off their 47-11 takedown of the Braden River Pirates back in December of 2023, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The matchup between IMG Academy Blue and Venice wasn't particularly close, with IMG Academy Blue falling 81-67. While losing is never fun, IMG Academy Blue can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 314th, while Venice is ranked 78th).
Venice was led to victory by Tessa Oleary and Addison Ivery. Oleary scored 15 points along with seven rebounds and five steals, while Ivery scored 16 points along with seven steals and six assists. Oleary set a new season high mark in blocks with two. Zoe O'Leary was another key contributor, scoring 15 points along with eight rebounds.
IMG Academy Blue's loss dropped their record down to 1-4. As for Venice, they pushed their record up to 11-9 with that win, which was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season.
IMG Academy Blue will take on Lake Minneola at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Lake Minneola is coming into the match on a four-game losing streak. As for Venice, they will head out on the road to face off against DeSoto County at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
