Basketball Game Preview: Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks vs. Eastmark Firebirds

The Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks and the Eastmark Firebirds will face off at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday without much rest, having both just played. Having both just faced considerable losses, both teams are looking to turn things around.

Ironwood Ridge's tournament run continued when they took on West Point on Friday. The Nighthawks lost 71-48 to the Dragons. The Nighthawks have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Ironwood Ridge's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Derek Overton, who posted 11 points in addition to seven rebounds and three steals, and Lucas Anderson, who put up 13 points. The team also got some help courtesy of Landon Briones, who earned two points and six boards.

Meanwhile, Eastmark suffered their biggest defeat since January 10th on Friday. They were dealt a 66-39 loss at the hands of Cienega.

Eastmark's defeat dropped their record down to 2-2. As for Ironwood Ridge, their loss dropped their record down to 1-3.

Ironwood Ridge beat Eastmark 67-55 in their previous matchup back in December of 2024. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was the Firebirds' Rhys Walcott, who went 11-for-18 to rack up 26 points. Now that he won't be playing on Saturday, will it be easier for the Nighthawks to walk away with another win? There's only one way to find out.