Basketball Game Preview: Manteno Panthers vs. Lisle Lions

A feisty cat fight is on tap when the Manteno Panthers face off against the Lisle Lions at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday... Manteno will be looking to extend their current three-game winning streak.

Manteno is headed into the game after thoroughly thrashing Clifton Central: they outscored them in every quarter. Manteno put the hurt on Clifton Central with a sharp 55-35 victory on Tuesday. The Panthers have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 11 matches by 20 points or more this season.

Manteno got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Maddie Gesky out in front who dropped a double-double on 12 points and ten boards. Gesky has been hot recently, having posted ten or more rebounds the last four times she's played. Another player making a difference was Emily Horath, who went 5 of 10 on her way to 12 points and four steals.

Manteno smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 12 offensive rebounds in 21 consecutive contests.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Lisle, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Saturday. They came out on top against Peotone by a score of 41-31 on Monday. The victory was a breath of fresh air for the Lions as it put an end to their three-game losing streak.

Manteno's record is now 19-4. As for Lisle, their record now sits at 8-16.

Everything came up roses for Manteno against Lisle in their previous matchup back in December of 2024, as the team secured a 61-32 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for Manteno since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.