Basketball Game Preview: Hurricane Tigers vs. Payson Lions

Hurricane is 0-3 against Payson since February of 2019 but things could change on Friday. Having just played yesterday, the Hurricane Tigers will jump right back in to play the Payson Lions at 7:30 p.m. Hurricane is coming into the contest hot, having won their last six games.

Hurricane is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Thursday. They came out on top against Ridgeline by a score of 59-51.

Brigham Kemp

Steals

02/20/25 vs Ridgeline	5
02/15/25 vs Murray	5
02/07/25 @ Snow Canyon	3
02/05/25 @ Crimson Cliffs	2
01/29/25 vs Desert Hills	2
+ 3 more games

It was another big night for Brigham Kemp, who posted 27 points along with six assists and five rebounds. He has been hot, having also posted two or more steals the last eight times he's played. Calan Hughes was another key player, almost dropping a double-double with nine points and nine boards.

Hurricane smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 11 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive boards in three consecutive matchups.

Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Payson faced off against Pine View on Thursday. Payson snuck past Pine View with a 52-48 win. Winning may never get old, but the Lions sure are getting used to it with their sixth in a row.

Hurricane's record now sits at 16-8. As for Payson, their record now sits at 19-5.

Hurricane came up short against Payson in their previous matchup back in November of 2024, falling 57-48. Can Hurricane avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.