The Pamlico Christian Academy Mariners will take on the Bethel Assembly Christian Academy Eagles in a holiday battle at at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. The timing is sure in Pamlico Christian Academy's favor as the squad sits on nine straight wins at home (dating back to last season) while Bethel Assembly Christian Academy has been banged up by 15 consecutive losses on the road also dating back to last season.
Last Tuesday, Pamlico Christian Academy took their match with ease, bagging a 61-9 win over Fellowship Christian Academy. The Mariners have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won eight games by 21 points or more this season.
Among those leading the charge was Max Cruz, who went 5 for 9 on his way to 10 points in addition to seven rebounds and three steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Noah Hayward, who posted seven points.
Pamlico Christian Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in six consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Bethel Assembly Christian Academy fought the good fight in their overtime matchup against Jacksonville Christian Academy on Tuesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell to the Conquerors 56-52. One positive for the Eagles, at least, is that this was the most points they've scored all season.
Pamlico Christian Academy will have to keep a close watch on McKinley Conner and Peyton Liverman, a pair of players who had a big impact on Bethel Assembly Christian Academy's prior game. Conner dropped a double-double on 23 points and 19 rebounds, while Liverman dropped a double-double on 25 points and 12 rebounds. That was a full 44.2% of Bethel Assembly Christian Academy's points, marking the fifth time in a row he's put up more than a third of the team's points.
Bethel Assembly Christian Academy's loss dropped their record down to 1-8. As for Pamlico Christian Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 13-3.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Pamlico Christian Academy has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 31.2 boards per game. However, it's not like Bethel Assembly Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 35.4 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Pamlico Christian Academy was able to grind out a solid win over Bethel Assembly Christian Academy in their previous matchup back in February of 2023, winning 51-44. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was Bethel Assembly Christian Academy's Brandon Williams, who dropped a double-double on 28 points and 25 rebounds. Now that he won't be playing on Thursday, will it be easier for Pamlico Christian Academy to walk away with another win? There's only one way to find out.
