Basketball Game Preview: Paxon School For Advanced Studies Golden Eagles vs. Mandarin Mustangs

After both having extra time off, the Paxon School For Advanced Studies Golden Eagles and the Mandarin Mustangs will dust off their jerseys to take on one another at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this match.

It was a Battle of the Birds when Paxon School For Advanced Studies faced off against Spruce Creek two weeks ago. Paxon School For Advanced Studies might have been a little too into the holiday spirit, gifting Spruce Creek an easy 71-51 win. While losing is never fun, the Golden Eagles can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 144th, while the Hawks are ranked 37th).

Paxon School For Advanced Studies' defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Caelyn Carter, who almost dropped a double-double on 19 points and nine boards, and Nina Kamma-Hill, who posted 11 points along with six steals and five boards. Carter's evening made it six games in a row in which she has scored at least ten points. Charlotte Young was another key player, putting up ten points.

Meanwhile, Mandarin came up short against Nease two weeks ago and fell 54-43. The Mustangs have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Paxon School For Advanced Studies has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 7-5 record this season. That patch can't be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 54.8 points per game. As for Mandarin, they now have a losing record at 5-6.

Paxon School For Advanced Studies might still be hurting after the 58-37 loss they got from Mandarin when the teams last played back in December of 2023. Can Paxon School For Advanced Studies avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.