Basketball Game Preview: Hickory Hornets vs. Neshannock Lancers

Hickory is 0-4 against Neshannock since January of 2017 but things could change on Saturday. Both will face off at 5:30 p.m. without much rest having both just played. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Hickory took a loss when they played away from home last Thursday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They came out on top against Mercer by a score of 44-37.

Hickory had a senior duo take command as Kimora Roberts dropped a double-double on 19 points and 13 boards and Addison Phillips posted 17 points. That makes it three consecutive games in which Roberts has scored at least a third of Hickory's points.

Hickory smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 17 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in eight consecutive contests.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Neshannock). They took their match on Friday with ease, bagging a 69-40 victory over Maplewood. The Lancers have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won five games by 26 points or more this season.

The win (which was Neshannock's third in a row) raised their record to 6-2. Those victories came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 25.0 points per game. As for Hickory, their victory bumped their record up to 2-6.

Hickory was taken down by Neshannock 60-33 in their previous meeting back in December of 2023. Will Hickory have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other basketball content.