Basketball Recap: Dynamic Duo of Jayden Watlington and Josh Pyke Lead Shining Light Academy to Victory

The Shining Light Academy Knights got the win against the Shining Light Baptist Academy Sharks on Friday by a conclusive 59-39. The Knights have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won five matchups by 20 points or more this season.

Josh Pyke

Points (Career)

12/12/25 vs Shining Light Baptist Academy	15
02/10/25 vs Lab University Christian Academy Varsity	12
12/03/24 vs Raleigh Christian Academy	12
02/11/25 vs Calvary Christian	11
02/18/25 vs Forsyth Home Educators	9

Leading Shining Light Academy to victory were Josh Pyke and Jayden Watlington. Pyke went 6-for-12 on his way to 15 points, while Watlington dropped a double-double with ten points and 12 rebounds. Those 15 points gave Pyke a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Zach Evaro, who posted four points in addition to seven boards and three steals.

Shining Light Academy was working as a unit and finished the game with 15 assists. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their assist total in three consecutive games.

Shining Light Baptist Academy's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Lamar Chambers, who earned 21 points. The contest was Chambers' fourth in a row with at least 15 points. Another player making a difference was Caleb Harris, who put up 12 points.

Shining Light Academy pushed their record up to 7-3 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 65.8 points over those games. As for Shining Light Baptist Academy, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 4-6.

Shining Light Academy has already played their next matchup, a 66-50 victory against NC H on the 15th. As for Shining Light Baptist Academy, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next game, a 50-49 win against New Manna Christian on the 15th.