The Challenger Firebirds will head out on the road to square off against the Reynolds Mountain Christian Academy Eagles at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Hopefully Challenger focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 13 last Thursday.
Challenger came into Thursday's game having lost four straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They were the clear victor by a 40-17 margin over Lake Lure Classical Academy. Challenger has made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won three contests by 23 points or more this season.
Challenger got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was LeeAnna Killian out in front who scored 14 points along with two steals. Grace Boston was another key contributor, scoring six points along with two steals.
Meanwhile, after a string of six wins, Reynolds Mountain Christian Academy's good fortune finally ran out on Monday. They suffered a tough 73-47 defeat at the hands of Veritas Christian Academy. Reynolds Mountain Christian Academy has not had much luck with Veritas Christian Academy recently, as the team's come up short the last four times they've met.
Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Arianna Ritz, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and ten rebounds. She hasn't dropped below eight rebounds for three straight games. The team also got some help courtesy of Lily Denson, who scored 13 points along with six steals.
Challenger's win ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 3-6. As for Reynolds Mountain Christian Academy, their loss ended a five-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 10-4.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Challenger have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 35.1 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Reynolds Mountain Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 30.3 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Challenger ended up a good deal behind Reynolds Mountain Christian Academy when the teams last played back in January, losing 49-35. Can Challenger avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
