The Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Eagles will head out on the road to square off against the Carolina Day Wildcats at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Given that both suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this game.
On Tuesday, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee came up short against Legacy Early College and fell 64-52. While losing is never fun, the Eagles can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 43rd in Georgia, while the Lions are ranked seventh in South Carolina).
| 01/14/25 vs Legacy Early College | 8 |
| 01/09/25 vs Asheville School (Independent) | 8 |
| 01/07/25 vs Lakeview Academy | 12 |
Despite their defeat, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Blanca Martinez, who posted nine points and eight rebounds, was perhaps the best of all. Martinez has been hot recently, having posted eight or more rebounds the last three times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Zoe Ulrich, who put up 11 points.
Meanwhile, after a string of nine wins, Carolina Day's good fortune finally ran out on Tuesday. They came up short against Asheville Christian Academy, falling 71-47. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Wildcats have suffered since November 19, 2024.
Like Rabun Gap-Nacoochee, Carolina Day lost despite seeing results from several players. Layla Hunter led the charge by going 7 of 14 on her way to 19 points along with six boards and five assists. The team also got some help courtesy of Amy Rhymer, who had 14 points and six assists.
Carolina Day's defeat ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 11-3. As for Rabun Gap-Nacoochee, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 12-6 record this season.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee took their victory against Carolina Day when the teams last played back in January of 2024 by a conclusive 43-17. In that match, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee amassed a halftime lead of 27-6, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Thursday.
