New Hope Academy came into Saturday's game having lost five straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They walked away with a 70-62 victory over Chesapeake Math & IT Academy South on Saturday. Given New Hope Academy's advantage in MaxPreps' Maryland basketball rankings (they are ranked 91st, while Chesapeake Math & IT Academy South is ranked 218th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
New Hope Academy's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Jalen Martinez led the charge by almost dropping a double-double on 24 points and nine rebounds. That makes it three consecutive games in which Martinez has scored at least a third of New Hope Academy's points. Uriah Augare-Deal was another key contributor, scoring 19 points along with seven rebounds.
Despite the defeat, Chesapeake Math & IT Academy South had strong showings from Auston Jackson, who scored 19 points along with six rebounds and two steals, and Justus Hardy, who scored 20 points along with two steals. It was the first time this season that Jackson scored 15 or more points.
New Hope Academy's victory ended a four-game drought on the road and puts them at 16-20. As for Chesapeake Math & IT Academy South, they dropped their record down to 4-12 with that defeat, which was their fourth straight at home.
New Hope Academy will head out on the road to challenge Rock Creek Christian Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. New Hope Academy knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with flashy point totals in its past 26 matches -- so hopefully Rock Creek Christian Academy likes a good challenge. As for Chesapeake Math & IT Academy South, they will head out on the road to face off against Bowie at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Bowie will roll in looking for their seventh straight win, something Chesapeake Math & IT Academy South surely won't give up without a fight.
