Basketball Game Preview: Madison Highland Prep Heat vs. St. John Paul II Catholic Lions

The Madison Highland Prep Heat will venture away from home to take on the St. John Paul II Catholic Lions at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Madison Highland Prep knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with 55 points or more in their past five matchups -- so hopefully St. John Paul II Catholic likes a good challenge.

Madison Highland Prep will head into Friday's contest on the come-up: they were handed a heart-breaking two-point defeat in their last game, but they sure didn't let that happen against Red Rock on Friday. Madison Highland Prep really took it to Red Rock for the full four quarters, racking up an 84-56 victory. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest win the Heat have posted since December 9, 2024.

Madison Highland Prep's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Cade Carlstrom, who dropped a double-double on 22 points and 11 boards. Another player making a difference was Will Marsh, who posted eight points along with seven steals and six assists.

Madison Highland Prep smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 11 consecutive matches.

Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when St. John Paul II Catholic challenged Kingman Academy on Tuesday. St. John Paul II Catholic was dealt a 68-33 loss at the hands of Kingman Academy. The Lions have struggled against the Tigers recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive lost matchup.

Madison Highland Prep's victory was their first in the region, bumping their region record up to 1-3 and their overall record up to 10-3. As for St. John Paul II Catholic, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-13.

Madison Highland Prep came up short against St. John Paul II Catholic in their previous matchup back in November of 2023, falling 65-53. Can Madison Highland Prep avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.