Basketball Recap: Combine Academy Global Comes Up Short

Combine Academy Global was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fourth straight loss. They were two points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 61-59 heartbreaker at the hands of the Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy Eagles. The Goats were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Eagles earlier this season, when they won 65-34.

John Stokes III

Rebounds (Career)

01/17/25 @ Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy	17
12/14/24 @ Greater Vision Academy	15
12/17/24 @ Quality Education Academy	12
12/09/24 vs Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy	12
12/07/24 vs DME Academy White	12

Despite the defeat, Combine Academy Global saw an underclassman step up: sophomore John Stokes III dropped a double-double on 15 points and 17 rebounds. Those 17 boards gave Stokes III a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Sterling Bohn, who posted eight points along with seven rebounds and three steals.

Even though they lost, Combine Academy Global smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.

Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Kaden Patterson led the charge by putting up 18 points. Patterson's evening made it 13 games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Tristan Caulk, who scored 11 points and three steals.

Combine Academy Global's loss dropped their record down to 8-8. As for Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy, they pushed their record up to 6-12 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home dating back to last season.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Combine Academy Global will venture away from home to face off against Winston Salem Christian Silver at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Combine Academy Global is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 53.9 points per game this season. As for Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy, they and Oak Hill Academy International will face off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday without much rest having both just played.