The Jefferson Christian Academy Cardinals lost against the Mercer Christian Academy Cavaliers back in February of 2023, and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Thursday. Jefferson Christian Academy received a tough blow as they fell 54-39 to Mercer Christian Academy. While losing is never fun, Jefferson Christian Academy can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps's basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 309th in Virginia, while Mercer Christian Academy is ranked 81st in West Virginia).
Despite the defeat, Jefferson Christian Academy had strong showings from Solomon Shirey, who scored 14 points, and Marshall Hopkins, who scored 13 points. That was a full 35.9% of Jefferson Christian Academy's points, marking the fourth time in a row he's earned more than a third of the team's points.
Mercer Christian Academy got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was MJ Patton out in front who scored 21 points along with four steals. Patton is on a roll when it comes to points, as he's now scored 15 or more in the last six games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Chance Watkins, who dropped a double-double on 13 points and ten rebounds.
Jefferson Christian Academy has been struggling recently, as they've lost six of their last seven games, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-9 record this season. As for Mercer Christian Academy, the win was the fourth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 6-6.
Jefferson Christian Academy will head out on the road to face off against Pipestem Christian Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Pipestem Christian Academy has been dominant on offense recently, as they've racked up an incredible 205 points over their last three matches. As for Mercer Christian Academy, they will be playing at home against Mount Hope Christian Academy at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Hopefully Mount Hope Christian Academy focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up ten on Thursday.
