Basketball Game Preview: Jefferson Panthers vs. Whitehall/Harrison/Willow Creek

The Jefferson Panthers will challenge Whitehall/Harrison/Willow Creek at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Jefferson knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 55 points or more in their past five matchups -- so hopefully Whitehall/Harrison/Willow Creek likes a good challenge.

Last Friday, Jefferson was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 63-58 to Lone Peak. The contest marked the Panthers' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Wyatt Geier, who went 7 for 13 on his way to 16 points and eight rebounds. His evening made it three games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. Tyler Frydenlund was another key player, going 5 of 11 on his way to 12 points and eight rebounds.

Even though they lost, Jefferson smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in seven consecutive matches dating back to last season.

Meanwhile, Whitehall/Harrison/Willow Creek was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap back in December of 2024 as they fell 55-51 to Shields Valley. Whitehall/Harrison/Willow Creek has now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Whitehall/Harrison/Willow Creek's loss dropped their record down to 0-2. As for Jefferson, they now have a losing record at 2-3.

Jefferson strolled past Whitehall/Harrison/Willow Creek in their previous matchup back in January of 2023 by a score of 58-43. Does Jefferson have another victory up their sleeve, or will Whitehall/Harrison/Willow Creek turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.