Basketball Game Preview: Sandy Valley Cardinals vs. Tuscarawas Valley Trojans

Sandy Valley is 0-10 against Tuscarawas Valley since February of 2020 but things could change on Saturday. The Sandy Valley Cardinals will face off against the Tuscarawas Valley Trojans at 2:30 p.m. After both made easy work of their previous opponents, one won't be so lucky on Saturday.

Last Saturday, Sandy Valley humbled Garaway with a 52-19 victory. The team accrued 46 points in the first half and coasted on those for the win.

Meanwhile, Tuscarawas Valley entered their tilt with Indian Valley on Saturday with two consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with three. They blew past the Braves 62-20. The Trojans have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won seven games by 24 points or more this season.

Sandy Valley better keep an eye on Leah Bourquin. She was instrumental in Tuscarawas Valley's win, going 8 of 15 on her way to 18 points and four steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Sydney Miller, who posted nine points in addition to five rebounds and four steals.

Tuscarawas Valley smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive boards in three consecutive matchups.

Tuscarawas Valley's victory was their ninth straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 8-1. Those victories came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 18.7 points per game. As for Sandy Valley, their win ended an eight-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-6.

Sandy Valley was taken down by Tuscarawas Valley 57-23 when the teams last played back in February of 2024. Can Sandy Valley avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.