Basketball Game Preview: McDonald Blue Devils vs. Mineral Ridge Rams

The McDonald Blue Devils will face off against the Mineral Ridge Rams at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday. McDonald is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last five games.

McDonald took a 20-point defeat the last time they faced off against Springfield, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. In a tight contest that could have gone either way, the Blue Devils made off with a 43-42 win over the Tigers. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Blue Devils have posted since November 25, 2024.

Meanwhile, Mineral Ridge made easy work of South Range on Saturday and carried off a 49-27 win. The Rams have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 15 games by 20 points or more this season.

McDonald better focus on containing Gianna Gilbert and Sullivan Sandy as the pair were huge in Mineral Ridge's win. Gilbert posted 19 points along with seven boards and five assists, while Sandy went 6-for-15 to rack up 12 points and four steals. Sandy is crushing it when it comes to steals: she's grabbed at least two every time she's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Brystal Mills, who put up six points.

McDonald's record now sits at 12-7. As for Mineral Ridge, their record is now 17-3.

McDonald couldn't quite get it done against Mineral Ridge in their previous meeting back in December of 2025 as they fell 59-47. Can the Blue Devils avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.