Preview: Smethport Hubbers vs. Galeton Tigers
Smethport is on a three-game streak of home losses, Galeton a 13-game streak of away losses (dating back to last season), but someone's luck is about to change. The Smethport Hubbers will be home for the holidays to greet the Galeton Tigers at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Given that both teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.
Last Thursday, Smethport came up short against Oswayo Valley and fell 42-34. While losing is never fun, Smethport can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 523rd, while Oswayo Valley is ranked 234th).
Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the most dominant came from Payton Neff, who scored 12 points. The team also got some help courtesy of Elizabeth Hungiville, who scored five points along with 15 rebounds and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Galeton ended up a good deal behind Otto-Eldred on Monday and lost 32-15.
Galeton's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Lynlee Basile, who scored six points, and Addison Reigle who scored six points. Reigle scored a full 40% of Galeton's points, the fourth time in a row she's earned more than a third of the team's points.
Smethport's loss dropped their record down to 1-6. As for Galeton, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-6.
Keep an eye on the arc in Wednesday's game: Smethport have made nailing deep shots look easy this year this season, having only averaged 4 threes per game. It's a different story for Galeton, though, as they've been averaging only 1 threes per game. Given Smethport's sizeable advantage in that area, Galeton will need to find a way to close that gap.
Everything came up roses for Smethport against Galeton in their previous matchup back in February as the squad secured a 50-23 win. Will Smethport repeat their success, or does Galeton have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
