The Virginia high school basketball season is heating up, with two teams making notable waves in their respective divisions. Liberty Christian Academy (LCA) and Grace Christian School (GCS) have both displayed impressive performances on the court this season, each boasting strong records and standout individual performances.

Liberty Christian Academy: Dominating the Court

Liberty Christian is off to a perfect start this season, with a 5-0 record, showcasing a dominant performance across all fronts. With an unblemished win percentage of 1.000, the team has proven formidable, particularly in its home games, where it has yet to lose. On average, LCA scores 71.2 points per game, with their offensive output spread evenly across each quarter: 17.4 in the first three and 19.0 in the fourth. This balanced attack has been key to their success.

A standout player for Liberty Christian is Ryan Jackson, who leads the team with an average of 15.5 points per game. His all-around contributions, including 6.5 assists per game, have been vital in LCA’s strong start. Ryder Zingelmann anchors the team’s rebounding efforts with 8.8 boards per game, while Jisaiah Bryant and Colton Davis have been key defensively, averaging 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, respectively.

Liberty Christian’s impressive scoring and defense have made them a team to watch, and their upcoming games will be crucial as they aim to maintain their perfect record.

Grace Christian School: A Strong Contender

While not as dominant as Liberty Christian, Grace Christian School has been equally impressive this season, posting an 8-1 record, with a high win percentage of .889. They have proven strong both at home and away, with a perfect 4-0 record in away games. GCS’s offense averages 67.2 points per game, with their most productive quarter being the second, where they score 20.5 points on average. Despite their high-scoring tendencies, the team struggles in the fourth quarter, averaging just 8.0 points.

The leader for Grace Christian is Mason Wynne, who averages 18.5 points per game, providing a consistent offensive threat. Brady Barton contributes significantly with 9.5 assists per game, showing his ability to facilitate the offense. Defensively, Eamon Barras leads the team in rebounds with 5.0 per game, while Dragen Ramsey and Jack Payne provide solid defensive play with 3.0 steals and 0.5 blocks per game, respectively.

While Grace Christian has not been able to claim a victory over Liberty Christian, their impressive overall record and solid performances against other teams demonstrate that they are a force to be reckoned with this season.

Team Comparison: Liberty Christian vs. Grace Christian

When comparing the two teams head-to-head, Liberty Christian clearly stands out in several areas. They score more points per game (74.3 vs. 67.2) and dominate in rebounds (36.5 vs. 6.4), assists (18.8 vs. 4.4), and steals (8.0 vs. 3.1). These statistical advantages give LCA a clear edge in most categories, and their well-rounded, high-scoring offense has kept opponents on their heels.

Grace Christian, however, is no slouch, and while they don’t match Liberty Christian in the overall stat lines, they have proven their ability to compete in tight games. With several players contributing across the board, including their scoring leader Wynne and playmaker Barton, GCS remains a team with significant potential.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Season for Both Teams

Both Liberty Christian and Grace Christian have made impressive starts to the 2024-2025 basketball season, and their performances suggest they will be formidable opponents as the year progresses. Liberty Christian, with their perfect record and dominant play, looks to continue their strong form, while Grace Christian will aim to bounce back from their lone loss and continue their successful season.

The rivalry between these two schools, especially if they meet in future matchups, promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and determination. With strong individual performances and well-rounded teams, both Liberty Christian and Grace Christian are primed for successful campaigns in the Virginia high school basketball scene.