Basketball Game Preview: Excelsior Classical Academy Flying Lions vs. Oxford Prep Griffins

Excelsior Classical Academy is 0-3 against Oxford Prep since January of 2024 but things could change on Tuesday. The Excelsior Classical Academy Flying Lions will head out to square off against the Oxford Prep Griffins at 4:30 p.m.

Excelsior Classical Academy is headed into the matchup out to prove that what happened against Roxboro Community on Friday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Excelsior Classical Academy took a blow against Roxboro Community, falling 67-17. While losing is never fun, the Flying Lions can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 592nd, while the Bulldogs are ranked 160th).

Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Arihanna Williams, who posted eight points in addition to six rebounds and three steals. She is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last eight games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Shadiamond Francis Service, who scored five points.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Oxford Prep). They breezed by Henderson Collegiate to the tune of 53-19 on Friday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Griffins.

Oxford Prep's victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 5-7. The wins came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 16.3 points per game. As for Excelsior Classical Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 4-9.

Excelsior Classical Academy took a serious blow against Oxford Prep when the teams last played back in February of 2024, falling 50-11. Can Excelsior Classical Academy avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.