Basketball Game Preview: Hardee Wildcats vs. Naples Classical Academy

After both having extra time off, the Hardee Wildcats and the Naples Classical Academy will shake off the cobwebs and challenge one another at 6:30 p.m. on Monday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: both posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.

Hardee is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 76-73 win over DeSoto County two weeks ago. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Wildcats have posted since January 11, 2024.

Hardee found their leader in freshman Victor Rodriguez, who posted 25 points. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Rodriguez has scored all season. Teagan VanSickle was another key player, putting up 16 points.

Meanwhile, Naples Classical came into Saturday's contest having lost three straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They came out on top against Ida Baker by a score of 78-65 two weeks ago.

Naples Classical's win bumped their record up to 4-9. As for Hardee, their victory bumped their record up to 2-3.