Basketball Preview: South Lenoir Blue Devils vs. Southwest Onslow Stallions
The South Lenoir Blue Devils will head out on the road to take on the Southwest Onslow Stallions at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. South Lenoir is no doubt hoping to put an end to a three-game streak of away losses.
Last Friday, South Lenoir came up short against the Tigers and fell 34-25.
The loss doesn't tell the whole story though, as several players had good games. One of the most active was Alexus Haddock, who scored ten points along with six steals. Another player making a difference was Tyazhia Midgett, who scored seven points along with six rebounds.
Meanwhile, Southwest Onslow put another one in the bag on Friday to keep their perfect season alive. They breezed by Kinston at home to the tune of 69-42. Southwest Onslow has made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won ten games by 20 points or more this season.
Southwest Onslow's success was spearheaded by the efforts of Yamorie Hardison, who almost dropped a double-double on 20 points and nine rebounds, and Oriyanna Galloway, who scored 27 points along with seven steals. Galloway is crushing the steal category: she's posted at least three every time she's taken the court this season. Jade Dollar was another key contributor, scoring ten points along with five rebounds.
South Lenoir's loss dropped their record down to 7-11. As for Southwest Onslow, their victory bumped their record up to 18-0.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: South Lenoir have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 25.8 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Southwest Onslow struggles in that department as they've been averaging 39.8 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
South Lenoir took a serious blow against the Stallions when the teams last played back in December of 2023, falling 55-22. Can South Lenoir avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
