The Shining Star Sports Academy Panthers's game last Sunday was a tough loss, but they didn't let that memory haunt them on Thursday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Riverdale Baptist and snuck past 64-61. Given Shining Star Sports Academy's advantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked second in Virginia, while Riverdale Baptist is ranked 41st in Maryland), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Sira Thienou continued her habit of posting crazy stat lines, almost dropping a double-double on 27 points and nine rebounds. That makes it four consecutive games in which she has scored at least a third of Shining Star Sports Academy's points. Harrissoum Coulibaly was another key contributor, scoring ten points.
When it comes to explaining why Riverdale Baptist lost, one person who can't be blamed is Ariana Meriedy. Despite the final result, she scored 21 points along with six rebounds and three blocks. The team also got some help courtesy of Aliyah Eason, who scored nine points along with seven assists.
Shining Star Sports Academy has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 14 of their last 16 contests, which provided a nice bump to their 23-4 record this season. As for Riverdale Baptist, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 17-23.
Shining Star Sports Academy will look to defend their home court on Saturday against Mt. Zion Prep Academy at 6:00 p.m. Shining Star Sports Academy is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 68.9 points per game this season. As for Riverdale Baptist, they will stay at home for another game and welcome Shabach Christian Academy at 7:00 p.m. on February 24th. Shabach Christian Academy will roll in looking for their fifth straight win, something Riverdale Baptist surely won't give up without a fight.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
