Basketball Game Preview: Varina Blue Devils vs. Patrick Henry Patriots

Varina and Patrick Henry are an even 5-5 against one another since December of 2017, but not for long. The Varina Blue Devils will head out on the road to challenge the Patrick Henry Patriots at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Varina is coming into the match on a three-game losing streak.

Varina is headed into the game out to prove that what happened against Highland Springs on Friday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Varina took a blow against Highland Springs, falling 82-18. The Blue Devils were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 52-10.

Varina's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Kya Ingram, who posted four points in addition to six rebounds, five assists, and five steals, and Solai Coleman, who scored eight points along with 11 boards and four steals. Coleman is on a roll when it comes to boards, as she's now pulled down ten or more in the last eight games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Kaliyah Straughter, who put up two points and ten rebounds.

Even though they lost, Varina smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 23 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 12 offensive boards in nine consecutive contests.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Patrick Henry). They claimed a resounding 57-15 victory over Charles City. The win was some much needed relief for the Patriots as it spelled an end to their five-game losing streak.

Varina's defeat dropped their record down to 2-7. As for Patrick Henry, their victory bumped their record up to 2-12.

Varina was able to grind out a solid win over Patrick Henry when the teams last played back in January of 2024, winning 56-43. The rematch might be a little tougher for Varina since the team won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.