Basketball Game Preview: Thunder Ridge Longhorns vs. Rock Hills Grizzlies

Thunder Ridge hasn't had much luck against Rock Hills recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Thunder Ridge Longhorns will host the Rock Hills Grizzlies at 7:00 p.m. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

Thunder Ridge is headed into the game out to prove that what happened against Hill City on Monday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Thunder Ridge came up short against Hill City, falling 58-32. The Longhorns have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Brillon Mcdowell

Points (Career)

02/17/25 vs Hill City	4
01/14/25 vs Lakeside	3
12/13/24 @ Stockton	3
12/10/24 vs Rock Hills	3
12/06/24 vs Stockton	3

Despite the loss, Thunder Ridge had strong showings from Evan Slavik, who posted two points in addition to six rebounds and three steals, and Brillon Mcdowell, who scored four points. Those four points gave Mcdowell a new career-high.

Meanwhile, Rock Hills was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Friday as they fell 44-39 to Lincoln. The defeat continues a trend for the Grizzlies in their matchups with the Leopards: they've now lost six in a row.

Thunder Ridge's loss dropped their record down to 7-9. As for Rock Hills, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-11.

Thunder Ridge came up short against Rock Hills in their previous meeting back in December of 2024, falling 50-37. A big factor in that loss was the dominant performance of Rock Hills' Cooper McDill, who went 8-for-14 en route to 16 points along with five boards and three steals. Now that Thunder Ridge knows the damage he can cause, will they be able to stop him this time? There's only one way to find out.