Basketball Game Preview: North Warren Central Cougars vs. Fort Ann Cardinals

A feisty cat fight will be fought when the North Warren Central Cougars take on the Fort Ann Cardinals at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday... Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

North Warren Central took a loss when they played away from home two weeks ago, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They blew past Lake George 64-40.

North Warren Central found their leader in freshman Semaj Cuyler, who posted 41 points in addition to seven steals and six rebounds. That makes it three consecutive games in which Cuyler has scored at least a third of North Warren Central's points. The team also got some help courtesy of Elijah Horge, who put up five points along with five rebounds and four steals.

Meanwhile, Fort Ann was able to grind out a solid win over Fort Edward on Friday, taking the game 46-38.

Fort Ann had a senior duo take command as Javier Hernandez had 15 points in addition to five boards and five steals and Hunter Charpentier posted 17 points. Those 17 points set a new season-high mark for Charpentier. The team also got some help courtesy of Kadyence Cutter, who put up eight points along with five rebounds and three steals.

Fort Ann smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 12 offensive rebounds in three consecutive contests.

North Warren Central now has a winning record of 2-1. As for Fort Ann, their victory bumped their record up to 3-1.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: North Warren Central has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 32 boards per game. However, it's not like Fort Ann struggles in that department as they've been averaging 32.7 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Everything came up roses for North Warren Central against Fort Ann in their previous matchup back in February, as the team secured a 71-36 win. Will North Warren Central repeat their success, or does Fort Ann have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.