The State College Little Lions will challenge the Central Dauphin Rams at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. State College is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 53.9 points per game this season.
State College is headed into the matchup having just suffered their biggest defeat since January 17, 2024 on Tuesday. They lost 52-31 to Cumberland Valley. The contest marked the Little Lions' lowest-scoring game so far this season.
Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Charlie Yartz, who went 5 of 11 on his way to 15 points and five rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Michael Powell, who posted six points.
Meanwhile, Central Dauphin waltzed into their matchup on Tuesday with three straight wins... but they left with four. They took their game with ease, bagging a 72-34 victory over the Mountain Lions. The Rams have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won four contests by 22 points or more this season.
State College better keep an eye on Wayne Fletcher II. He was instrumental in Central Dauphin's win, dropping a double-double on 28 points and 16 boards. Fletcher II's evening made it four games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Shakur Starling, who went 8 of 14 on his way to 17 points in addition to five boards and four steals.
Central Dauphin smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've posted since back in February of 2024.
Central Dauphin's win was their seventh straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 10-1. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 72.7 points per game. As for State College, their loss dropped their record down to 6-5.
Friday's match is shaping up to be a masterclass in shooting: State College just can't miss this season, having made 47.5% of their field goals per game. However, it's not like Central Dauphin struggles in that department as they've made 48.2% of their shots this season. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
State College came up short against Central Dauphin when the teams last played back in February of 2024, falling 50-41. Can State College avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
