Basketball Game Preview: Westhope/Newburg Sioux vs. Bishop Ryan Lions

Westhope/Newburg is on a 14-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while Bishop Ryan is on a seven-game streak of away wins (also dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Westhope/Newburg Sioux will host the Bishop Ryan Lions at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Last Tuesday, everything went Westhope/Newburg's way against Towner-Granville-Upham as Westhope/Newburg made off with a 70-45 victory. With the Sioux ahead 34-12 at the half, the contest was all but over already.

Westhope/Newburg got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Walker Braaten out in front who went 6 of 14 on his way to 18 points along with seven rebounds and six steals. The game was Braaten's third in a row with at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Braden Bailey, who went 6 for 11 en route to 17 points and five assists.

Meanwhile, everything came up roses for Bishop Ryan against Kenmare/Bowbells on Tuesday as the team secured a 78-47 victory. Given the Lions' advantage in MaxPreps' North Dakota basketball rankings (they are ranked fourth, while Kenmare/Bowbells are ranked 81st), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Westhope/Newburg's win bumped their record up to 14-2. As for Bishop Ryan, their victory bumped their record up to 17-0.

Westhope/Newburg beat Bishop Ryan 73-65 in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Will Westhope/Newburg repeat their success, or does Bishop Ryan have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.