Basketball Game Preview: Joppa-Maple Grove Rangers vs. Pope County Pirates

Joppa-Maple Grove is 0-10 against Pope County since December of 2021 but things could change on Monday. The Joppa-Maple Grove Rangers are taking a road trip to face off against the Pope County Pirates at 5:30 p.m. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

Joppa-Maple Grove is headed into Monday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 22nd straight game dating back to last season on Friday. They were four points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 45-41 heartbreaker at the hands of Cobden. One positive for the Rangers, at least, is that this was the most points they've scored all season.

Meanwhile, Pope County entered their game against Gallatin County on Saturday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. The matchup between Pope County and Gallatin County didn't end well, with Pope County falling 52-34. The Pirates were down 41-18 at the end of the third quarter, which was just too much to recover from.

Joppa-Maple Grove will need focus on slowing down Lawson Forthman, one of several Pope County players who made an impact when they last played. She almost dropped a double-double on nine points and 17 rebounds. Forthman is crushing it when it comes to boards: she's pulled down at least ten every time she's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Bella Fasolo, who posted 13 points.

Joppa-Maple Grove's loss dropped their record down to 0-9. As for Pope County, their defeat ended a 15-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 12-5.

Things could have been worse for Joppa-Maple Grove, but things could have been a whole lot better as they took a 36-22 loss to Pope County in their previous meeting back in December of 2024. Can Joppa-Maple Grove avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.