Basketball Game Preview: Horizon Hawks vs. Timber Creek Wolves

Horizon hasn't had much luck against Timber Creek recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. After both having extra time off, the two teams will shake off the cobwebs and face off against one another at 1:30 p.m.

Horizon is headed into Thursday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 14th straight game dating back to last season two weeks ago. They took a hard 75-57 fall against Dr. Phillips. While losing is never fun, the Hawks can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 590th, while the Panthers are ranked 146th).

Diego Rojas

Steals

12/20/24 vs Dr. Phillips	4
12/15/23 @ Orangewood Christian	4
12/12/23 @ Lake Buena Vista	3
12/08/23 vs Tenoroc	2
12/04/24 vs St. Cloud	2

Despite the loss, Horizon saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Diego Rojas went 8 for 18 on his way to 20 points in addition to six boards and four steals. That's the most steals Rojas has posted since back in December of 2023. The team also got some help courtesy of Aidan Stein, who posted nine points.

Even though they lost, Horizon smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in three consecutive matchups.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Timber Creek, who bounced back after a loss on the road two weeks ago. They snuck past Celebration with a 45-41 victory two weeks ago.

Horizon's defeat dropped their record down to 0-11. As for Timber Creek, they pushed their record up to 8-4 with the win, which was their fifth straight at home.

Horizon took a serious blow against Timber Creek when the teams last played back in January of 2024, falling 70-43. Can Horizon avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.