Basketball Game Preview: Glenbard West Hilltoppers vs. Downers Grove North Trojans

Glenbard West is 2-8 against Downers Grove North since February of 2020 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Saturday. The Glenbard West Hilltoppers will look to defend their home court against the Downers Grove North Trojans at 5:30 p.m.

On Thursday, Glenbard West was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 47-42 to Lyons. While losing is never fun, the Hilltoppers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 70th, while the Lions are ranked third).

Meanwhile, you can't lose the game if you win every quarter, and that was precisely Downers Grove North's strategy against Oak Park-River Forest on Tuesday. Given that consistent dominance, it should come as no surprise that Downers Grove North blew Oak Park-River Forest out of the water with a 65-15 final score. The Trojans have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won seven contests by 25 points or more this season.

Glenbard West better focus on containing Campbell Thulin and Adysen Fanta as the pair were huge in Downers Grove North's win. Thulin went 7 for 10 en route to 20 points and three steals, while Fanta went 5 of 9 on her way to 12 points and four steals. The dominant performance gave Fanta a new career-high in steals. Another player making a difference was Elizabeth Murphy, who went 5 for 8 on her way to 10 points and five rebounds.

Downers Grove North has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 14-6 record this season. The wins came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 26.5 points per game. As for Glenbard West, their defeat dropped their record down to 13-8.

Glenbard West came up short against Downers Grove North in their previous meeting last Tuesday, falling 38-31. Will Glenbard West have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.