Basketball Game Preview: Elgin/Pope John Wolfpack vs. Neligh-Oakdale Warriors

Elgin/Pope John is preparing for their first district matchup of the season on Tuesday. They are taking a road trip to face off against the Neligh-Oakdale Warriors at 7:45 p.m. Elgin/Pope John will be strutting in after a win while Neligh-Oakdale will be coming in after a loss.

Elgin/Pope John not only won on Friday, but they posted their biggest win since December 30, 2024 (when they won 56-28). They were the clear victors by a 62-36 margin over Niobrara/Verdigre. The victory continues a trend for the Wolfpack in their matchups with the Cougars: they've now won six in a row.

Elgin/Pope John got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Jarek Erickson out in front who shot 60% from the field on his way to 19 points in addition to six assists and three steals. Jayvin Erickson was another key player, going 5-for-9 to rack up 16 points and eight boards.

Elgin/Pope John smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in five consecutive games dating back to last season.

Meanwhile, Neligh-Oakdale played a tough matchup on Friday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They were outmatched by Elkhorn Valley and fell 67-26. The defeat continues a trend for the Warriors in their meetings with the Falcons: they've now lost six in a row.

Elgin/Pope John's victory bumped their record up to 2-0. As for Neligh-Oakdale, their loss dropped their record down to 1-1.

Everything came up roses for Elgin/Pope John against Neligh-Oakdale when the teams last played back in December of 2024, as the team secured a 58-12 win. In that contest, the Wolfpack amassed a halftime lead of 35-7, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Tuesday.