DATE: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
LOCATION: Fork Union, VA | Thomas Gym
SCORE: JV Basketball 39, Banner Christian 37
RECORD: 5-7

SHORT STORY: Fork Union Military Academy's JV Basketball team earned a thrilling 39–37 victory over Banner Christian School on Wednesday afternoon, sealing the win in dramatic fashion in the final seconds.

With the score tied at 37, Fernando De Elio Echazarra came up with a crucial steal and pushed the ball ahead to Karim Toure, who converted a fast-break layup and drew a foul. The sophomore calmly knocked down both free throws to give Fork Union a two-point advantage with eight seconds remaining. On the next possession, Divine Deutong preserved the victory by rejecting a potential game-tying layup just before time expired.

QUOTE: "We really stepped up to the challenge and earned a hard-fought win," said head coach Patrick Blake. "I thought we came out a little bit flat but turned the energy back up in the second half with our press and closed the game down the stretch. Couldn't be prouder of the guys, and very happy and excited for them to pull out this win at the end of the game."

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Locked in a tight contest throughout the afternoon, the game came down to the final moments. After De Elio Echazarra's steal and Toure's three-point play put Fork Union ahead, Deutong delivered the final defensive stand with a game-saving block in the closing seconds to secure the win.

UP NEXT: Fork Union returns to action on Friday, January 30, hosting Trinity Episcopal School in a 4:30 p.m. matchup.