Academy of Careers & Exploration and Lucerne Valley are an even 5-5 against one another since January of 2018, but not for long. The Academy of Careers & Exploration Eagle will head out on the road to square off against the Lucerne Valley Mustangs at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Both teams come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Last Friday, Academy of Careers & Exploration earned a 36-23 win over Silver Valley.
Academy of Careers & Exploration can attribute much of their success to DeIsis Ross, who dropped a double-double on 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Sarah Powell, who dropped a double-double on 14 points and 18 rebounds. Powell is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as she's now pulled down eight or more in the last five games she's played.
Meanwhile, Lucerne Valley scored the most points they've had all season to find success on Tuesday. They breezed by Victor Valley Christian on the road to the tune of 55-15. For those curious, yes, that was the biggest win Lucerne Valley has managed all season.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Lucerne Valley to victory, but perhaps none more so than Amaya Kelly, who dropped a double-double on 17 points and 14 rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Kelly has scored all season. Chloe Evans was another key contributor, scoring nine points along with nine steals and five assists.
Academy of Careers & Exploration's victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 4-6. As for Lucerne Valley, they are on a roll lately: they've won nine of their last 11 games, which provided a nice bump to their 11-6 record this season.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Academy of Careers & Exploration have been smashing the glass this season, having only averaged 36.8 rebounds per game. It's a different story for Lucerne Valley, though, as they've been averaging only 33 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Academy of Careers & Exploration suffered a grim 45-23 defeat to Lucerne Valley in their previous meeting back in December of 2023. Can Academy of Careers & Exploration avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
