The Don Soffer Aventura Barracuda will challenge the Monsignor Pace Spartans at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The timing is sure in Don Soffer Aventura's favor as the team sits on six straight wins at home while Monsignor Pace has been banged up by eight consecutive losses on the road dating back to last season.
Don Soffer Aventura is headed into the matchup having just suffered their biggest defeat since January 31, 2024 on Thursday. They were beaten by Pine Crest 81-45. While losing is never fun, the Barracuda can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 271st, while the Panthers are ranked 132nd).
Despite their loss, Don Soffer Aventura saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Tom Sela, who posted ten points and five rebounds, was perhaps the best of all. Ocean Nahum was another key player, putting up 12 points.
Meanwhile, Monsignor Pace was just a bucket shy of victory on Saturday and fell 46-45 to Palm Beach Central.
Don Soffer Aventura will have to keep a close watch on Kris Delva and Jamaal Gibson, Jr, a pair of players who had a big impact on Monsignor Pace's prior game. Delva went 7 of 15 on his way to 17 points and five boards, while Gibson, Jr went 5 for 10 en route to 13 points and six rebounds. Delva is trending in the right direction considering he's improved his point production for four straight games. Another player making a difference was Teagan Jordan, who scored no points in addition to six boards and three blocks.
Monsignor Pace's defeat dropped their record down to 2-17. As for Don Soffer Aventura, their loss ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 9-4.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Don Soffer Aventura has been crashing the rebounds this season, having averaged 30.6 boards per game. However, it's not like Monsignor Pace struggles in that department as they've been averaging 26.5 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Don Soffer Aventura came up short against Monsignor Pace in their previous matchup back in January of 2024, falling 68-62. Will Don Soffer Aventura have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
