Basketball Game Preview: Shawnee Redskins vs. Cairo Pilots

The Shawnee Redskins and the Cairo Pilots will face off at 6:00 p.m. on Friday without much rest, having both just played. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Shawnee comes in on four and Cairo on three.

Shawnee picked up another tournament win on Thursday. Everything went their way against Hardin County as Shawnee made off with a 49-27 victory. The Redskins have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won seven games by 20 points or more this season.

Berkli Holtman

Points

02/20/25 vs Hardin County	15
02/07/25 vs Cobden	7
02/06/25 vs Joppa-Maple Grove	6
02/05/25 @ Elverado/Zeigler-Royalton	5
01/29/25 @ Christopher	12
+ 15 more games

Shawnee's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Berkli Holtman led the charge by dropping a double-double with 15 points and 12 boards. Holtman continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Eva Ford, who posted 11 points along with eight rebounds and five assists.

Shawnee smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 22 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, it can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but Cairo had no problem doing just that on Thursday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the Pirates, sneaking past 69-66. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Pilots have posted since December 2, 2024.

Cairo's victory bumped their record up to 6-17. As for Shawnee, their win bumped their record up to 16-5.

Shawnee was taken down by Cairo 78-30 in their previous meeting back in February of 2024. Can Shawnee avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.