Basketball Recap: American Leadership Academy Takes Loss Despite Strong Efforts from Bryce Newton and Payton Miles

American Leadership Academy was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They fell 46-38 to the Strom Thurmond Rebels. Sadly, that's the second time they've come up short against the Patriots this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 37-36 back in January.

American Leadership Academy's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Payton Miles, who dropped a double-double on 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Bryce Newton, who posted 13 points and eight boards. That's the most rebounds Newton has posted since back in December of 2024.

AJ Walker continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines for Strom Thurmond, almost dropping a double-double on nine points and nine steals. Walker has been hot recently, having posted two or more steals the last three times he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Griffin Thompson, who put up seven points in addition to six boards and three steals.

American Leadership Academy's defeat dropped their record down to 5-16. As for Strom Thurmond, the victory got them back to even at 11-11.

American Leadership Academy will square off against Batesburg-Leesville at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Strom Thurmond, they will take on Pelion at 7:45 p.m. on Friday.