Basketball Game Preview: Lake City Panthers vs. Hartsville Red Foxes

The Lake City Panthers will take on the Hartsville Red Foxes at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

Lake City is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering Mullins just ended the team's four-game winning streak two weeks ago. They might have been a little too into the holiday spirit, gifting the Auctioneers an easy 64-39 win. The matchup marked the Panthers' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

The losing side was boosted by Devin Cockfield, who dropped a double-double on 13 points and ten boards. He has become a key player for Lake City: the team is 3-1 when he posts at least ten boards, but 1-2 otherwise.

Meanwhile, couldn't have asked for a better way to wrap up 2024 than the 72-32 stomp they got against Central Academy. That looming 72-32 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Red Foxes yet this season.

Hartsville's win came from a few key players Lake City will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Jamyari Scipo-Bishop, who dropped a double-double on 13 points and 11 boards. Another player making a difference was EJ Smith, who went 6 of 10 on his way to 15 points and eight rebounds.

Hartsville smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 22 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 11 consecutive contests.

Lake City's defeat was their first in the region, dropping their region record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 4-3. As for Hartsville, their victory bumped their record up to 5-6.

Lake City came up short against Hartsville in their previous meeting on December 3rd, falling 66-55. Will Lake City have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other basketball content.