Basketball Preview: Berkeley Prep Buccaneers vs. Bishop McLaughlin Catholic Hurricanes
Berkeley Prep and the Hurricanes are an even 4-4 against one another since January of 2015, but not for long. The Berkeley Prep Buccaneers will be playing in front of their home fans against the Bishop McLaughlin Catholic Hurricanes at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Bishop McLaughlin Catholic took a loss in their last match and will be looking to turn the tables on Berkeley Prep, who comes in off a win.
Berkeley Prep scored the most points they've had all season to find success on Friday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat Academy at the Lakes 57-26 at home.
Berkeley Prep's success was spearheaded by the efforts of Lila grace Strain, who scored 20 points along with five rebounds and two steals, and Maddie Dean, who dropped a double-double on 12 points and 12 rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Strain has scored all season. Another player making a difference was Priyanka Makati, who scored four points along with three steals.
Meanwhile, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic came up short against the Panthers last Friday and fell 38-26. Bishop McLaughlin Catholic has now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
The loss doesn't tell the whole story though, as several players had good games. One of the most active was Keegan Castelli, who scored 12 points along with six rebounds and three blocks. She has been hot recently, having posted two or more steals the last seven times she's played. Aliana Arana was another key contributor, scoring four points along with eight rebounds and five blocks.
Berkeley Prep's victory ended a three-game drought at home and bumped them up to 7-11. As for Bishop McLaughlin Catholic, their loss dropped their record down to 3-12.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Berkeley Prep have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 34.5 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Bishop McLaughlin Catholic struggles in that department as they've been averaging 24.5 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Berkeley Prep suffered a grim 57-35 defeat to the Hurricanes in their previous matchup back in December of 2020. Will Berkeley Prep 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.
