Preview: Kimball Longhorns vs. Hershey Panthers
Kimball is 1-8 against Hershey since December of 2014 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The two teams will face off at 6:00 p.m. on December 15th without much rest after finishing up games yesterday. Kimball is hoping to put an end to a ten-game streak of away losses dating back to last season.
Last Saturday, Kimball was beaten by Morrill 63-31. While losing is never fun, Kimball can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska basketball rankings (they are ranked 213th, while Morrill is ranked 74th).
Kimball's defeat came about despite a quality game from Grace Anderson, who scored nine points along with eight rebounds. Those eight rebounds set a new season-high mark for Anderson.
Meanwhile, Hershey scored the most points they've had all season to find success on Saturday. They breezed by St. Patrick's on the road to the tune of 66-33. For those curious, yes, that was the biggest win Hershey has managed all season.
It was another big night for Emma Hall, who scored 14 points along with seven rebounds. Those seven rebounds set a new season-high mark for she. Another player making a difference was Ali Vaughn, who scored eight points along with four steals.
Kimball's defeat dropped their record down to 1-4. As for Hershey, the victory makes it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 3-1.
Friday's contest is shaping up to be a scrappy game: Kimball have been smashing the glass this season, having only averaged 29.2 rebounds per game. It's a different story for Hershey, though, as they've been averaging only 35.2 rebounds per game. Given Kimball's sizeable advantage in that area, Hershey will need to find a way to close that gap.
Kimball was dealt a bruising 59-17 defeat at the hands of Hershey in their previous matchup back in December of 2022. Can Kimball avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
