Basketball Game Preview: North Star Cougars vs. Windber Ramblers

North Star hasn't had much luck against Windber recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The North Star Cougars will welcome the Windber Ramblers at 6:00 p.m. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

North Star is headed into Thursday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Tuesday. They were beaten by Claysburg-Kimmel 54-26.

Meanwhile, Windber came up short against Allegany on Friday and fell 51-42. While losing is never fun, the Ramblers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 328th in Pennsylvania, while the Campers are ranked 33rd in Maryland).

North Star will have to contain Maggie Manippo as she made an impact in Windber's last game. She went 6 for 13 en route to 12 points and four steals. That's the most points Manippo has posted since back in February of 2024. Autumn Walz was another key player, putting up seven points.

Windber now has a losing record at 6-7. As for North Star, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-11.

North Star was dealt a bruising 50-21 loss at the hands of Windber in their previous matchup back in December of 2024. Will North Star have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.