Basketball Recap: Bethel Assembly Christian Academy Drops Season-High Score on Jacksonville Christian Academy

Bethel Assembly Christian Academy fought the good fight in their overtime match against Jacksonville Christian Academy on Tuesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They took a 56-52 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Jacksonville Christian Academy Conquerors. One positive for the Eagles, at least, is that this was the most points they've scored all season.

McKinley Conner and Peyton Liverman certainly did their best on Tuesday to avoid the loss. Conner dropped a double-double on 23 points and 19 boards, while Liverman dropped a double-double on 25 points and 12 boards. The dominant performance gave Conner a new career-high in points.

Even though they lost, Bethel Assembly Christian Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in six consecutive contests.

Jacksonville Christian Academy's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Kellen Evans, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and 13 boards. Evans is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down eight or more in the last seven games he's played. Another player making a difference was Brady Rice, who almost dropped a double-double on 11 points and nine rebounds.

Bethel Assembly Christian Academy's defeat was their third straight at home, which dropped their record down to 1-8. As for Jacksonville Christian Academy, their victory ended an 11-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-7.

Bethel Assembly Christian Academy and Jacksonville Christian Academy could both be facing uphill battles in their next games considering their disadvantage in the MaxPreps North Carolina Rankings. Bethel Assembly Christian Academy (ranked 576th) will meet Pamlico Christian Academy (ranked 246th) at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Similarly, Jacksonville Christian Academy (ranked 539th) will meet Hilltop Christian (ranked 80th) at 7:00 p.m. on January 7, 2025.