Basketball Game Preview: NCSSM: Morganton Dragons vs. Avery County Vikings

NCSSM: Morganton hasn't had much luck against Avery County recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The NCSSM: Morganton Dragons will welcome the Avery County Vikings at 5:30 p.m.

NCSSM: Morganton is headed into Monday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 34th straight game dating back to last season on Friday. They were outmatched by Draughn and fell 66-2. The Dragons were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 48-2.

Meanwhile, Avery County took their game on Friday with ease, bagging a 66-27 win over Owen. The Vikings have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 11 contests by 24 points or more this season.

Avery County found their leader in sophomore Caroline Hollifield, who went 5 for 11 to rack up 15 points and three steals. Marley Jones was another key player, putting up 11 points and three steals.

Avery County smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive boards in five consecutive matchups.

Avery County has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five games, which provided a nice bump to their 14-6 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 29.6 points over those games. As for NCSSM: Morganton, their loss dropped their record down to 0-16.

NCSSM: Morganton was taken down by Avery County 60-6 in their previous meeting back in November of 2024. That contest was all but decided by halftime, at which point NCSSM: Morganton was down 45-2.