Castle and Evansville Reitz are an even 5-5 against one another since December of 2017, but not for long. The Castle Knights will take on the Evansville Reitz Panthers at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Castle is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 60.2 points per game this season.
Castle is likely headed into the matchup with a focus on the second half, which is when things went downhill against Jeffersonville on Friday. Castle took a 62-53 hit to the loss column at the hands of Jeffersonville. While losing is never fun, the Knights can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Indiana basketball rankings (they are ranked 73rd, while the Red Devils are ranked fifth).
Jakob Wongler
| 02/28/25 vs Jeffersonville | 70% |
| 02/26/25 @ Vincennes Lincoln | 80% |
| 02/21/25 @ Evansville North | 57% |
| 02/15/25 vs Boonville | 57% |
| 02/14/25 vs Jasper | 50% |
Despite their defeat, Castle saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Jakob Wongler, who shot 70% from the field to rack up 19 points, was perhaps the best of all. Wongler is on a roll when it comes to field goal percentage, as he's posted one of at least 50% in the last five games he's played. Another player making a difference was Xander Niehaus, who went 6-for-11 on his way to 16 points and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Evansville Reitz also suffered a loss in their last game, falling to St. Mary's by a score of 91-82.
Castle will have to contain Jaylan Mitchell as he made an impact in Evansville Reitz's last game. He dropped a triple-double with 26 points, 12 boards, and ten assists. Lavell Tinsley was another key player, shooting 63% from the field en route to 12 points along with six rebounds and three steals.
Evansville Reitz's loss ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 15-5. As for Castle, with the defeat, they broke their three-game winning streak and moved their record to 13-11.
Friday's contest will pit two of the most dominant guards against one another: Niehaus and Mitchell. Niehaus has been dynamite this season: he has averaged 13.6 points, 1.8 blocks, and 2.7 steals. For his part, Mitchell has averaged 16.2 points, 2.2 steals, and 11.5 boards on 53.6% shooting.
Castle came up short against Evansville Reitz in their previous meeting back in December of 2024, falling 60-55. Can Castle avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
