Basketball Game Preview: Centralia Orphans vs. Mater Dei Knights

Centralia hasn't had much luck against Mater Dei recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Centralia Orphans will host the Mater Dei Knights at 6:00 p.m. Given that both suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

Centralia is headed into Thursday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Tuesday. They were five points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 48-43 heartbreaker at the hands of Marion. While losing is never fun, the Orphans can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 207th, while the Wildcats are ranked 98th).

Mater Dei has been a dominant force so far, but they're in the middle of a mini-slump at the moment. They took a 61-51 hit to the loss column at the hands of Breese Central on Saturday.

Centralia will need focus on slowing down Alyssa Koerkenmeier, one of several Mater Dei players who made an impact when they last played. She went 9 of 13 en route to 18 points and eight rebounds. What's more, Koerkenmeier also racked up two steals, the most she's had since back in February of 2024. Another player making a difference was Maris Zurliene, who posted seven points along with seven assists and six boards.

Mater Dei's loss dropped their record down to 18-8. As for Centralia, their defeat ended a five-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 10-10.

Centralia suffered a grim 66-46 defeat to Mater Dei in their previous meeting back in January of 2024. Will Centralia 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.