Basketball Preview: Thatcher Eagles vs. Payson Longhorns
The Thatcher Eagles will head out on the road to square off against the Payson Longhorns at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Hopefully Thatcher focused on turnovers this week as the team gave up 28 last Wednesday.
Thatcher is leaving town to face Payson after disappointing their home crowd in their season opener. Thatcher was dealt a 58-31 defeat at the hands of Amphitheater. The game was a close 24-22 at the break, but unfortunately for the Eagles it sure didn't stay that way.
Thatcher's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Cambria Wakefield, who went 6 for 15 en route to 14 points plus six rebounds and two steals, and Makenzi Lunt, who posted five points in addition to seven rebounds. What's more, Lunt also racked up three offensive rebounds, the most she's had since back in November of 2023.
Even though they lost, Thatcher smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 18 offensive rebounds in four consecutive matchups dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, Payson had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. They secured a 47-42 W over Blue Ridge on Tuesday. The victory was some much needed relief for the Longhorns as it spelled an end to their six-game losing streak dating back to last season.
Payson can attribute much of their success to Mylee Redford, who went 5 for 12 en route to 12 points plus six rebounds and five steals. Another player making a difference was Grace DeSchaaf, who had seven points along with five rebounds and two blocks.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
