Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

Asheville Basketball Showdown: Lions Fall to the Blues

Players competing on the basketball court during the Asheville basketball game

News Summary

In a challenging game on January 22, 2025, the Asheville Christian Academy Lions suffered a setback against the Asheville School Blues, losing 67-41. This defeat adds to their ongoing struggles, marking two consecutive losses against their rivals. Key performances from players like Sara Larios and Ansley Fuchs stood out, but ultimately, the Lions could not secure a win. As they look ahead to an upcoming match against Forsyth Home Educators, the Lions hope to bounce back from this defeat.

Asheville Basketball Showdown: Lions Fall to the Blues in a Tough Game

In a hard-fought game on January 22, 2025, the Asheville Christian Academy Lions faced off against the Asheville School (Independent) Blues. The match ended with the Lions suffering a disappointing defeat, wrapping up the game at 67-41. This loss marks a tough blow for Asheville Christian Academy, as it now adds up to two consecutive losses against their rivals, having previously fallen to the Blues back in December 2024.

A Closer Look at the Rankings

Currently, Asheville Christian Academy is sitting at 213th in the North Carolina basketball rankings according to MaxPreps, while the Asheville School Blues are performing notably better, holding onto 47th place. This disparity in rankings highlights the challenges that the Lions are facing as they struggle to find their footing.

Star Performers of the Game

Despite the loss, there were some standout performances on the court. Sara Larios of Asheville Christian Academy stepped up big time, scoring an impressive 18 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. Her efforts represented a solid 43.9% of the team’s total points, showcasing her crucial role in the game. This marks the fourth game in a row where Larios has netted over a third of the team’s points, establishing her as a key player in these matchups.

Additionally, Ansley Fuchs contributed with 10 points and 5 rebounds, assisting in keeping the scoreboard ticking for the Lions, even though it wasn’t enough to secure a win.

Asheville School’s Dominance

On the flip side, the Asheville School (Independent) showed why they are ranked higher, with several notable performances. Ryann Hernandez led the Blues with 21 points, showcasing sharp shooting and impressive defensive skills as she made 5 steals during the game. Following closely was Jaza Wilson, who had a standout performance with a double-double—achieving a career-best of 16 points and 11 rebounds. Alisha Watkins also played a pivotal role, contributing 11 points, along with 5 assists and 5 rebounds, further solidifying the team’s strong performance.

Impact of the Loss and Upcoming Challenges

This defeat halted Asheville Christian Academy’s previous four-game winning streak, bringing their season record down to 9-9. With this loss fresh in their minds, the Lions now look ahead to a challenging matchup against the Forsyth Home Educators coming up on Tuesday. They’ll need to regroup and refocus if they’re looking to bounce back and regain their momentum.

Meanwhile, the Asheville School (Independent) celebrated their triumphant win, improving their record to 17-4 and marking their fourth consecutive victory. Their next challenge will pit them against Rabun Gap-Nacoochee at 5:15 p.m. on the same Tuesday, as they continue their impressive streak.

Streaks on the Line

It’s worth noting that Asheville School (Independent) is currently enjoying a nine-game home winning streak that dates back to last season. On the other hand, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee is riding high with a seven-game away winning streak, setting the stage for an exciting showdown where one of these streaks will inevitably come to an end.

The basketball scene in Asheville continues to heat up, with plenty of action coming our way in the next days. Fans are sure to be on the edge of their seats!