Preview: Hamilton Heights Huskies vs. Rensselaer Central Bombers
Hamilton Heights is on a three-game streak of home wins, while Rensselaer Central is on a 11-game streak of away wins (dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Hamilton Heights Huskies will take on the Rensselaer Central Bombers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: both teams posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.
Hamilton Heights stacked an 11th blowout win onto their ever-increasing hoard on Saturday. They took their game at home with ease, bagging a 103-6 win over Tipton. Hamilton Heights' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Camryn Runner was her usual excellent self, shooting 7-for-19 from downtown and dropping a triple-double on 64 points, ten rebounds, and ten steals. That makes it 15 consecutive games in which she has scored at least a third of Hamilton Heights' points. The team also got some help courtesy of Ella Hickok, who scored 16 points along with seven assists and six steals.
Meanwhile, Rensselaer Central beat West Lafayette 68-60 on Thursday. Given Rensselaer Central's advantage in MaxPreps' Indiana basketball rankings (they are ranked 20th, while West Lafayette is ranked 82nd), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Rensselaer Central got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Kamri Rowland out in front who scored 20 points along with seven rebounds and two steals. Rowland is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last eight games she's played. Another player making a difference was Taylor Van meter, who dropped a double-double on 14 points and ten rebounds.
Hamilton Heights' victory bumped their record up to 18-2. As for Rensselaer Central, their victory bumped their record up to 18-0.
Friday's match will pit two of the most dominant guards against one another: Runner and Rowland. Runner has been dynamite this season: she has averaged 27.9 points and 4.2 steals. For her part, Rowland has averaged 13.3 points, 3.5 steals, and 6.8 rebounds.
Hamilton Heights took their victory against Rensselaer Central in their previous matchup back in January of 2020 by a conclusive 68-42. Will Hamilton Heights repeat their success, or does Rensselaer Central have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
