Basketball Game Preview: Axtell Wildcats vs. Elm Creek Buffaloes

Axtell hasn't had much luck against Elm Creek recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Axtell Wildcats will head out to take on the Elm Creek Buffaloes at 7:30 p.m.

Axtell is headed into Thursday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Saturday. They had to suffer through a 64-32 loss at the hands of Alma. The game marked the Wildcats' lowest-scoring matchup so far this season.

The losing side was boosted by Brandt Modlin, who almost dropped a double-double on ten points and nine boards. Jacob Halvorsen was another key player, putting up seven points and three steals.

Meanwhile, Elm Creek humbled Wilcox-Hildreth with a 65-32 victory. The contest marked the Buffaloes' most dominant victory of the season so far.

Axtell better focus on containing Quin Oberg and Blake Erickson as the pair were huge in Elm Creek's win. Oberg went 8 for 11 en route to 21 points along with five rebounds and five steals, while Erickson went 5 of 10 on his way to 12 points in addition to eight boards and five steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Jeremiah Shoemaker, who posted six points in addition to eight rebounds and three steals.

Elm Creek was working as a unit and finished the game with 19 assists. That's the most assists they've posted since back in January of 2024.

Axtell's loss dropped their record down to 4-8. As for Elm Creek, they pushed their record up to 10-2 with the win, which was their 14th straight at home dating back to last season.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Axtell has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 34 boards per game. However, it's not like Elm Creek struggles in that department as they've been averaging 27.9 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Axtell lost to Elm Creek on the road by a decisive 52-37 margin in their previous meeting back in January of 2024. Can Axtell avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.