The Columbus Academy Vikings's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Thursday after their fourth straight loss. They were beaten by Harvest Prep 67-28. While losing is never fun, Columbus Academy can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Ohio basketball rankings (they are ranked 525th, while Harvest Prep is ranked 248th).
Leading Harvest Prep to victory were Israelle Smith and Maliyah Lofton. Smith scored 15 points along with nine blocks and four steals, while Lofton scored 20 points along with three steals. That's the first time this season that Smith posted two or more blocks. The team also got some help courtesy of Mo?nae Gamble, who scored six points along with ten rebounds and six steals.
Columbus Academy has traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost five of their last six matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-9 record this season. As for Harvest Prep, their victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 10-7.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Columbus Academy will be staying on the road on Saturday to face off against Columbus School for Girls at 1:30 p.m. on January 27th. As for Harvest Prep, they will square off against Urbana at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. That game will pit two of the most dominant guards against one another: Peyton Mounce and Lofton.
