Flint River Academy and Oak Mountain Academy are an even 5-5 against one another since January of 2017, but not for long. The Flint River Academy Wildcats will be playing at home against the Oak Mountain Academy Warriors at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Both have had a bumpy ride up to this point with four consecutive losses for Flint River Academy and five for Oak Mountain Academy.
Last Tuesday, Flint River Academy opened the new year with a less-than-successful 62-55 defeat to LaGrange Academy.
Despite their loss, Flint River Academy saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. D. J. Baums, who dropped a double-double on 19 points and 18 boards, was perhaps the best of all. Ethan Newman was another key player, putting up 14 points and eight rebounds.
Even though they lost, Flint River Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 26 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in 22 consecutive games dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, Oak Mountain Academy had to suffer through a 57-27 loss at the hands of St. George's. The matchup marked the Warriors' lowest-scoring contest so far this season.
Like Oak Mountain Academy, they lost despite seeing results from several players. Leonardo Massi led the charge by posting seven points.
Flint River Academy's defeat dropped their record down to 5-5. As for Oak Mountain Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 1-7.
Friday's game is shaping up to be a scrappy match: Flint River Academy hasn't given up the ball easily this season, having only averaged 9.8 turnovers per game. It's a different story for Oak Mountain Academy, though, as they've been averaging 22.6 turnovers. Given Flint River Academy's sizable advantage in that area, Oak Mountain Academy will need to find a way to close that gap.
Flint River Academy came up short against Oak Mountain Academy in their previous matchup back in February of 2024, falling 47-43. Can Flint River Academy avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
