Basketball Game Preview: Genoa-Hugo/Karval Pirates vs. Hi-Plains Patriots

The Genoa-Hugo/Karval Pirates are taking a road trip to challenge the Hi-Plains Patriots at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Genoa-Hugo/Karval comes in still looking for their first win of the season.

Genoa-Hugo/Karval's last matchup with Flagler could've gone either way, but unfortunately the same can't be said for the pair's contest on Thursday. The Pirates came up short against the Panthers, falling 48-25. The Pirates were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 31-9.

Ryker Lockhart

Points

12/11/25 vs Arickaree	7
12/05/25 vs Idalia	10
12/12/25 vs Evangel Christian Academy	11
12/06/25 @ Briggsdale	14
12/18/25 vs Flagler	16

Despite the defeat, Genoa-Hugo/Karval saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Ryker Lockhart posted 16 points and three steals. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Lockhart has scored all season. Haden Ewing also deserves some recognition as he posted his first assist of the season.

Meanwhile, Hi-Plains played a tough matchup last Thursday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They were dealt a 54-14 loss at the hands of Granada. The Patriots have struggled against the Bobcats recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost matchup.

Hi-Plains' defeat dropped their record down to 0-4. As for Genoa-Hugo/Karval, their loss dropped their record down to 0-5.

Genoa-Hugo/Karval beat Hi-Plains 61-50 when the teams last played back in December of 2024. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was the Patriots' Aiden Cordell, who had 34 points along with five rebounds and five steals. Now that he won't be playing on Saturday, will it be easier for the Pirates to walk away with another win? There's only one way to find out.