The Meadowbrook Academy Mustangs were the 61-53 winner over the First Academy Eagles when they last played one another back in November of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. Meadowbrook Academy took a 50-44 hit to the loss column at the hands of First Academy. Meadowbrook Academy has now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Meadowbrook 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 Gaige Daugherty, who scored 15 points along with eight rebounds and two steals. That's the first time this season that Daugherty pulled down eight or more rebounds. Another player making a difference was Zach Ross, who scored eight points along with ten rebounds and two steals.
Amari Smith was his usual excellent self, dropping a double-double on 13 points and 19 rebounds for First Academy. Smith is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down eight or more in the last four games he's played. Bryce Norflee was another key contributor, dropping a double-double on 11 points and ten rebounds.
Meadowbrook Academy's loss dropped their record down to 12-8. As for First Academy, they are on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six matches, which provided a nice bump to their 9-9 record this season.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Meadowbrook Academy will take on Ocala Christian at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. That game will pit two of the most dominant guards against one another: Rodney Paz and Tico Smith. As for First Academy, they won't have much time to rest: their next matchup is against Taylor at 6:00 p.m. on January 26th. Taylor is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 55.7 points per game.
