Basketball Game Preview: Columbus Blue Devils vs. Northside Patriots

The Columbus Blue Devils will venture away from home to challenge the Northside Patriots at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this match.

Last Tuesday, Columbus came up short against Russell County and fell 70-57.

Despite their defeat, Columbus saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Jayla Lockhart, who went 5 for 6 on her way to 13 points and eight assists, was perhaps the best of all. The dominant performance gave Lockhart a new career-high in assists. The team also got some help courtesy of Harmony Franklin, who posted nine points in addition to five rebounds and three steals.

Meanwhile, Northside's undefeated season came to an end after six games on Tuesday. They took a 40-34 hit to the loss column at the hands of Shaw. The game marked the Patriots' lowest-scoring contest so far this season.

Having lost for the first time this season, Northside fell to 6-1. As for Columbus, their loss ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 5-4.

Columbus was dealt a bruising 74-33 defeat at the hands of Northside in their previous matchup back in December of 2023. Can Columbus avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.