The American School for the Deaf Tigers just played last yesterday, but they'll still welcome Rhode Island School for the Deaf at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (American School for the Deaf has six straight wins, Rhode Island School for the Deaf has nine straight defeats), but none of that matters once you're on the court.
On Wednesday, American School for the Deaf beat Cornerstone Christian 34-21.
American School for the Deaf relied on the efforts of K'Marie Owens, who posted 12 points and three steals, and Suli DesJesus, who earned 12 points and five steals. Another player making a difference was Jenny Haring, who had four points.
Meanwhile, Rhode Island School for the Deaf played a tough match back in December of 2024 in which they were outscored in every quarter. They might have been a little too into the holiday spirit, gifting Fishers Island an easy 44-19 victory. Rhode Island School for the Deaf was in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 30-5.
American School for the Deaf will have to contain Jaiden Francis as she made an impact in Rhode Island School for the Deaf's last game. She almost dropped a double-double on 17 points and nine boards. That was a full 89.5% of Rhode Island School for the Deaf's points, marking the fourth time in a row she's put up more than a third of the team's points.
American School for the Deaf pushed their record up to 9-1 with the win, which was their fifth straight at home. Those victories came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 23.4 points per game. As for Rhode Island School for the Deaf, their loss dropped their record down to 0-4.
Thursday's contest is shaping up to be a scrappy game: American School for the Deaf has crashing the boards this season, having averaged 29.2 rebounds per game. It's a different story for Rhode Island School for the Deaf, though, as they've been averaging only 13.5 boards. Given American School for the Deaf's sizable advantage in that area, Rhode Island School for the Deaf will need to find a way to close that gap.
American School for the Deaf took their victory against Rhode Island School for the Deaf when the teams last played back in February of 2024 by a conclusive 49-25. Does American School for the Deaf have another victory up their sleeve, or will Rhode Island School for the Deaf turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
