Excelsior Classical Academy unfortunately couldn't capitalize on their home-court advantage in their season opener. They took a 74-56 bruising from the Durham School of the Arts Bulldogs on Thursday. The Flying Lions were not able to make up for their loss to the Bulldogs from their previous meeting back in December of 2024.

Tyler Hill
| 11/13/25 vs Durham School of the Arts | 50% |
| 02/25/25 @ Wake Prep Academy | 67% |
| 02/17/25 @ Voyager Academy | 47% |
| 02/14/25 vs Oxford Prep | 71% |
| 02/13/25 @ Oxford Prep | 47% |
Despite the loss, Excelsior Classical Academy still got an impressive performance from Tyler Hill, who dropped a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Hill is also on a roll when it comes to field goal percentage, as he's posted one of at least 47% in the last five games he's played dating back to last season. Another player making a difference was Jason Maldonado, who shot 63% from the field to rack up 10 points and five boards.
Shawne Dowdy was a one-man wrecking crew For Durham School of the Arts. as he posted 25 points in addition to five rebounds and four steals. Those four steals gave Dowdy a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Christian Baker, who dropped a double-double with 12 points and 12 boards.
The victory got Durham School of the Arts back to even at 1-1.
Looking ahead, Excelsior Classical Academy will host The Hawbridge School at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. As for Durham School of the Arts, they won't have much time to rest: their next matchup is against Cristo Rey Research Triangle at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
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