As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, the matchup between Lanier Christian Academy (LCA) and Horizon Christian Academy (HCA) has been one to watch. These two Georgia schools have faced off multiple times this season, with Horizon Christian Academy coming out on top in every meeting, including a decisive 60-33 victory on January 24 and a 58-38 win on February 7.
Season Overview:
Lanier Christian Academy enters the postseason with a 14-14 overall record. The team has shown consistency, going 5-6 in away games and 4-4 in home games, with a balanced region performance of 2-2. LCA’s scoring average stands at 38.6 points per game, with standout performances from Emma Flowers, who leads the team in scoring (9.4 PPG), rebounds (5.4 RPG), and steals (3.7 SPG).
On the other side, Horizon Christian Academy boasts an impressive 18-6 record, with a perfect 4-0 region record and an 8-1 mark at home. HCA’s scoring average is significantly higher at 51.0 points per game, led by Nyla Black, who has been dominant all season, averaging 20.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.6 steals per game.
Head-to-Head Breakdown:
This season has seen Horizon Christian Academy outplay Lanier Christian Academy in all their encounters. In their most recent matchup, on February 7, HCA handed LCA a tough 58-38 loss in the conference tournament. The rivalry, however, goes beyond the box score. With three wins over LCA this season, HCA has asserted its dominance, but LCA will be looking for revenge in their upcoming playoff game.
The Rivalry at a Glance:
- 1/7 (50-35): Horizon Christian Academy defeats Lanier Christian Academy in an away conference game.
- 1/24 (60-33): Horizon Christian Academy again wins on the road, further establishing their superiority.
- 2/7 (58-38): In the most recent contest, Horizon Christian Academy defeated Lanier Christian Academy in the conference tournament.
Upcoming Playoff Game:
The stakes are higher than ever as Lanier Christian Academy faces Horizon Christian Academy in an away playoff game today at 4 p.m. LCA will need to put together a complete performance to challenge HCA’s impressive scoring output. Horizon Christian has shown an ability to dominate both offensively and defensively, but LCA has shown resilience and may find a way to flip the script in this crucial game.
Key Stats and Players to Watch:
- Lanier Christian Academy:
- Emma Flowers (9.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.7 SPG)
- Scoring Average: 38.6 PPG
- Rebound Average: 29.1 RPG
- Horizon Christian Academy:
- Nyla Black (20.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.6 SPG)
- Scoring Average: 51.0 PPG
- Rebound Average: 28.9 RPG
Horizon Christian Academy leads in most statistical categories, but Lanier Christian Academy will have home-court advantage in the next round, which could be a crucial factor in the outcome.
Common Opponents:
Both teams have faced Fideles Christian this season with good results. Lanier Christian Academy has been perfect against Fideles Christian (3-0), while Horizon Christian Academy holds a 2-0 record against the same opponent. This trend could suggest that while Horizon Christian has the edge in head-to-head matchups, LCA is capable of beating strong teams when they’re playing at their best.
Conclusion:
With both teams looking to advance, this playoff matchup is poised to be another thrilling chapter in their rivalry. Horizon Christian Academy will aim to continue its dominance, while Lanier Christian Academy hopes to pull off an upset and break the streak. Regardless of the outcome, fans can expect a hard-fought battle as both teams bring their best to the court.
Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. today at Horizon Christian Academy. The outcome could very well shape the remainder of the postseason.