Basketball Recap: Rhett Walsh's Big Game Can't Quite Lead First Academy over Hernando Christian Academy

First Academy was the 49-46 winner over Hernando Christian Academy when they last played one another back in December of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. The First Academy Eagles lost to the Hernando Christian Academy Lions on the road by a 57-40 margin on Thursday. That's two games in a row now that the Eagles have lost by exactly 17 points.

First Academy's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Rhett Walsh, who posted ten points in addition to six boards and four steals. Walsh is crushing it when it comes to steals: he's grabbed at least two every time he's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Aidan Jezowski, who went 5 for 12 on his way to 12 points and eight rebounds.

Hernando Christian Academy's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Caydon Williams, who dropped a double-double on 22 points and 12 boards. Jaden Montzka was another key player, putting up 13 points along with six boards and five steals.

This is the second loss in a row for First Academy and nudges their season record down to 1-5. As for Hernando Christian Academy, with the victory, they broke their three-game losing streak and moved their record to 2-4.

First Academy will take on Taylor in a holiday battle at at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Taylor is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 58 points per game this season. As for Hernando Christian Academy, they wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next game, a 55-52 loss against Canterbury on the 13th.