Basketball Game Preview: New Bern Bears vs. South Central Falcons

New Bern hasn't had much luck against South Central recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The New Bern Bears are taking a road trip to challenge the South Central Falcons at 6:30 p.m. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

On Tuesday, New Bern came up short against West Carteret and fell 45-38. While losing is never fun, the Bears can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 428th, while the Patriots are ranked 154th).

Meanwhile, South Central was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were one points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 51-50 heartbreaker at the hands of South Garner.

Despite the defeat, South Central saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Kaelyn McCarter went 8 for 20 on her way to 16 points and seven steals. Those seven steals set a new season-high mark for McCarter. The team also got some help courtesy of Jaidyn Boswell, who posted seven points.

South Central's loss dropped their record down to 8-4. As for New Bern, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-10.

New Bern took a serious blow against South Central when the teams last played back in February of 2024, falling 81-27. Thankfully for New Bern, Sabraya Baker (who went 5 of 6 on her way to 17 points and three steals) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.