The Daniel Academy Lions's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Thursday after their third straight loss. They fell just short of Whitefield Academy by a score of 48-45. While losing is never fun, The Daniel Academy can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Missouri basketball rankings (they are ranked 420th, while Whitefield Academy is ranked 182nd).
The Daniel 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 Jesse Yap, who dropped a double-double on 18 points and 11 rebounds. It was the first time this season that Yap pulled down eight or more rebounds. Another player making a difference was Chris W, who dropped a double-double on 13 points and 14 rebounds.
Even though they lost, The Daniel Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.
The Daniel Academy has traveled a rocky road recently having lost four of their last five contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-7 record this season. As for Whitefield Academy, the win (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 7-3.
The Daniel Academy will look to defend their home court on Monday against Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy at 7:45 p.m. Hopefully The Daniel Academy focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 17 on Thursday. As for Whitefield Academy, they will head out on the road to challenge Shawnee Mission Christian at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
