Preview: Dixie Flyers vs. Crimson Cliffs Mustangs
Dixie is 9-1 against Crimson Cliffs since January of 2020, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Thursday. The Dixie Flyers will head out on the road to challenge the Crimson Cliffs Mustangs at 7:00 p.m. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this match.
Dixie suffered their closest loss yet this season on Tuesday. They fell just short of Cedar by a score of 53-50. Dixie's loss continues an unfortunate trend for the squad, making it three in a row.
The losing side was boosted by Kealah Faumuina, who scored 15 points along with nine rebounds and seven blocks. She is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as she's now pulled down eight or more in the last nine games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Hali Smith, who scored nine points along with seven steals and five rebounds.
Meanwhile, Crimson Cliffs' recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Thursday after their fifth straight loss. They fell 53-44 to Pine View. Crimson Cliffs has struggled against Pine View recently, as their contest on Thursday was their ninth consecutive lost matchup.
Crimson Cliffs' defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Summer Adams, who scored 16 points along with seven rebounds and three steals, and Kinsey Plewe who scored ten points along with four steals. Plewe has been hot recently, having posted two or more steals the last three times she's played.
Dixie now has a losing record at 8-9. As for Crimson Cliffs, they have not been sharp recently, as they've lost seven of their last eight contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-12 record this season.
Keep an eye on the arc in Thursday's game: Dixie have been dynamite from deep this season, having made 38.1% of their threes per game. It's a different story for Crimson Cliffs, though, as they've only made 26.3% of their threes per game this season. Given Dixie's sizeable advantage in that area, Crimson Cliffs will need to find a way to close that gap.
Dixie took their victory against Crimson Cliffs in their previous matchup back in December of 2023 by a conclusive 52-32. The rematch might be a little tougher for Dixie since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
