Basketball Game Preview: Hershey Panthers vs. Bridgeport Bulldogs

Hershey is on a three-game streak of home wins, while Bridgeport is on a 15-game streak of away wins (dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Hershey Panthers will welcome the Bridgeport Bulldogs at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Hershey is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 55.4 points per game this season.

Hershey's tournament run continued when they took on Perkins County on Saturday. Hershey took a 41-34 hit to the loss column at the hands of Perkins County. The match marked the Panthers' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Hershey's defeat came about despite a quality game from Aubry Hall, who posted eight points and five steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Kenna Bringewatt, who put up seven points and eight boards.

Even though they lost, Hershey smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in 18 consecutive contests dating back to last season.

Meanwhile, everything went Bridgeport's way against Chase County on Saturday as Bridgeport made off with a 62-36 victory. The Bulldogs have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won ten matchups by 25 points or more this season.

Bridgeport's win came from a few key players Hershey will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Ella Schluterbusch, who earned 22 points and four steals. She is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed three or more in the last three games she's played. Olivia Brown was another key player, going 7 for 13 on her way to 20 points and five rebounds.

Hershey has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games, which put a noticeable dent in their 9-6 record this season. As for Bridgeport, their win bumped their record up to 15-1.

Hershey was taken down by Bridgeport 61-34 in their previous matchup back in January of 2024. Thankfully for Hershey, Olivia Loomis-Goltl (who went 10 of 20 en route to 27 points in addition to seven boards and six steals) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.