The Cambridge Academy Cougars and the Richard Winn Academy Eagles will face off at 3:30 p.m. on February 9th without much rest after finishing up games yesterday.
Last Friday, Cambridge Academy was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 47-41 to Laurens Academy.
Despite their loss, Cambridge Academy saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Izzy Southerland, who scored eight points along with 14 rebounds and two steals, was perhaps the best of all. Southerland has been hot recently, having posted eight or more rebounds the last four times she's played. Jillian Mapes was another key contributor, scoring nine points along with seven rebounds and four blocks.
Meanwhile, Richard Winn Academy waltzed into their match on Tuesday with two straight wins but they left with three. They put the hurt on Our Lady of the Rosary with a sharp 38-17 win.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Richard Winn Academy to victory, but perhaps none more so than Delaney Young, who scored eight points along with six steals and five rebounds. Another player making a difference was Meagan Brigman, who scored 11 points along with seven rebounds and two steals.
Cambridge Academy's loss dropped their record down to 13-7. As for Richard Winn Academy, their win bumped their record up to 10-6.
Friday's matchup is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Cambridge Academy have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 29.7 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Richard Winn Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 32.2 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Everything went Cambridge Academy's way against Richard Winn Academy in their previous matchup back in January as Cambridge Academy made off with a 52-30 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Cambridge Academy since the team won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
