Preview: Millard Eagles vs. Gunnison Valley Bulldogs
Millard is 10-0 against Gunnison Valley since January of 2018, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Thursday. The Millard Eagles will finish 2023 at home by hosting the Gunnison Valley Bulldogs at 5:30 p.m. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.
Last Tuesday, Millard was beaten by Beaver 61-32. While losing is never fun, Millard can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Utah basketball rankings (they are ranked 102nd, while Beaver is ranked 18th).
Despite the defeat, Millard had strong showings from Eliza Larsen, who scored nine points along with seven rebounds, and Caislee Lunt, who scored seven points along with eight rebounds. Lunt has been hot recently, having posted eight or more rebounds the last three times she's played.
Meanwhile, Gunnison Valley came up short against Ben Lomond on Tuesday and fell 32-25. Gunnison Valley has not had much luck with Ben Lomond recently, as the team's come up short the last two times they've met.
Despite their defeat, Gunnison Valley saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Autumn Anderson, who scored two points along with nine rebounds and five blocks, was perhaps the best of all. That's the first time this season that Anderson posted two or more blocks. The team also got some help courtesy of Linsi Hansen, who scored seven points along with seven rebounds.
Millard's defeat dropped their record down to 3-8. As for Gunnison Valley, their loss dropped their record down to 3-6.
Thursday's matchup is shaping up to be a scrappy matchup: Millard have been smashing the glass this season, having only averaged 35.7 rebounds per game. It's a different story for Gunnison Valley, though, as they've been averaging only 34.2 rebounds per game. Given Millard's sizeable advantage in that area, Gunnison Valley will need to find a way to close that gap.
Everything came up roses for Millard against Gunnison Valley when the teams last played back in January as the squad secured a 64-28 win. Does Millard have another victory up their sleeve, or will Gunnison Valley turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
