Basketball Game Preview: Keys Gate Knights vs. Coral Shores Hurricanes

Two dominant guards in Essence Deleon and Melanie Estevez are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Keys Gate Knights will take on the Coral Shores Hurricanes on Thursday. Keys Gate is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 51.4 points per game this season.

Last Tuesday, Keys Gate came up short against Mater Academy Charter and fell 50-37.

Despite the defeat, Keys Gate saw an underclassman step up: freshman Deleon almost dropped a double-double on 16 points and nine rebounds. Deleon is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed three or more in the last five games she's played. Another player making a difference was Daniella Pujadas, who posted nine points and three steals.

Meanwhile, Coral Shores also suffered a loss in their last game, but this one to Ransom Everglades by a score of 56-43. The Hurricanes have struggled against the Raiders recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost matchup.

Despite the loss, Coral Shores saw an underclassman step up: freshman Estevez earned 14 points and seven boards. London Atkins was another key player, putting up two points along with five rebounds and three steals.

Even though they lost, Coral Shores smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive rebounds in six consecutive contests.

Keys Gate has been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-13 record this season. As for Coral Shores, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-5.

Keys Gate took their win against Coral Shores in their previous matchup back in December of 2024 by a conclusive 70-47. Will Keys Gate repeat their success, or does Coral Shores have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.