Basketball Game Preview: Manassas Park Cougars vs. Warren County Wildcats

A feisty cat fight is on tap when the Manassas Park Cougars take on the Warren County Wildcats at 7:30 p.m. on Monday... Manassas Park has now lost 13 straight, leaving the team hunting for their first win since December 10.

It's never fun to lose, and it's even less fun to lose 74-17, which was the final score in Manassas Park's tilt against Fauquier on Friday. While losing is never fun, the Cougars can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Virginia basketball rankings (they are ranked 410th, while the Falcons are ranked 155th).

Meanwhile, Warren County had to endure a five-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They blew past Brentsville District, posting a 71-39 victory. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest win the Wildcats have posted since December 20, 2024.

Manassas Park better focus on containing Adrian Craig and Ethan Bare as the pair were huge in Warren County's win. Craig went 7 of 12 on his way to 19 points and three steals, while Bare went 6 for 9 en route to 13 points in addition to six boards and three steals. Bare is trending in the right direction considering he's improved his point production for three straight games. Another player making a difference was Jaivion Smith, who posted seven points along with five rebounds and three steals.

Warren County smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive rebounds. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their offensive board total in three consecutive matches.

Manassas Park's loss dropped their record down to 1-16. As for Warren County, their victory bumped their record up to 4-13.

Manassas Park came up short against Warren County in their previous meeting back in January of 2024, falling 53-40. Can Manassas Park avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.