Basketball Game Preview: Mascoutah Indians vs. Centralia Orphans

The Mascoutah Indians will head out on the road to face off against the Centralia Orphans at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Mascoutah has now lost nine straight, leaving the team hunting for their first win since November 23.

Last Monday, Mascoutah might have been a little too into the holiday spirit, gifting Freeburg an easy 55-29 win. While losing is never fun, the Indians can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 438th, while the Midgets are ranked 100th).

Despite their loss, Mascoutah saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Riley Fazenbaker, who posted eight points along with seven boards and seven blocks, was perhaps the best of all. The team also got some help courtesy of Harper Whitworth, who had 12 points and six rebounds.

Meanwhile, Centralia played a tough game on Monday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They might have been a little too into the holiday spirit, gifting Carlyle an easy 58-38 victory. The Orphans have struggled against the Indians/Lady Indians recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost matchup.

Mascoutah's defeat dropped their record down to 2-10. As for Centralia, their loss dropped their record down to 4-6.

Mascoutah came up short against Centralia in their previous matchup back in November, falling 60-48. Can Mascoutah avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.