The Neuse Christian Academy Lions lost a heartbreaker when they last took the court, but unfortunately for them the loss they were handed on on Tuesday was a bit more commanding. They were beaten by Thales Academy Apex 61-24. While losing is never fun, Neuse Christian Academy can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 422nd, while the Titans are ranked 186th).
Neuse Christian Academy's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Morgan Little, who scored ten points along with two steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Ella Grace Johnson, who scored six points along with six rebounds and two steals.
Thales Academy Apex's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Anna Maass led the charge by scoring 20 points along with eight rebounds and six steals. Maass is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed three or more in the last 12 games she's played. Another player making a difference was Kenna Sproul, who scored 14 points along with two steals.
This is the second loss in a row for Neuse Christian Academy and nudges their season record down to 7-9. As for Thales Academy Apex, the win (which was their tenth in a row) raised their record to 18-4.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Neuse Christian Academy's road trip will continue as they head out to face the Tigers at 5:30 p.m. on February 1st. As for Thales Academy Apex, they will square off against the Knights at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
