Basketball Game Preview: Lehigh Lightning vs. Ida Baker Bulldogs

After both having extra time off, the Lehigh Lightning and the Ida Baker Bulldogs will shake off the rust and duke it out at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

Lehigh is headed into their home opener looking to turn things around after starting their season on the road. They fell 49-37 to Lely two weeks ago. Sadly, the loss continues a streak the team started last season, making it seven in a row.

Rianne Smith

Points

11/20/25 @ Lely	18
01/09/25 vs South Fort Myers	18
01/04/25 vs Fort Myers	37
01/03/25 vs Gateway Charter	17

Lehigh's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Rianne Smith, who dropped a double-double with 18 points and ten boards, and Gianna Paulhus, who posted six points and three steals. The game was Smith's fourth in a row with at least 17 points.

The home team had won the previous three meetings between Ida Baker and Lemon Bay, and Lemon Bay kept the tradition alive. The Bulldogs were dealt a 50-2 loss at the hands of the Manta Rays two weeks ago.

Lehigh was able to grind out a solid victory over Ida Baker when the teams last played back in December of 2024, winning 54-41. Do the Lightning have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Bulldogs turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.