Basketball Game Preview: New Madrid County Central Eagles vs. Poplar Bluff Mules

The New Madrid County Central Eagles will face off against the Poplar Bluff Mules at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. New Madrid County Central has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.

New Madrid County Central is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They strolled past Malden with points to spare on Tuesday, taking the game 77-60. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team's high-flying offense, the game also marked the team's biggest win of the season.

New Madrid County Central had a senior duo take command as Ra'Mond Brooks went 9 of 11 en route to 22 points and eight boards and Marvion Cranford went 8 for 14 on his way to 17 points and seven rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Cranford has scored all season. Another player making a difference was Ja'Kwon Jones, who went 5 of 9 en route to 13 points.

New Madrid County Central was working as a unit and finished the game with 17 assists. That's the most assists they've posted since back in February of 2024.

Meanwhile, Poplar Bluff was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their seventh straight loss. They took a 51-35 bruising from Central. While losing is never fun, the Mules can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Missouri basketball rankings (they are ranked 213th, while the Tigers are ranked 38th).

New Madrid County Central's victory ended a five-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 4-11. As for Poplar Bluff, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-11.

New Madrid County Central suffered a grim 58-35 defeat to Poplar Bluff in their previous matchup back in December of 2024. Will New Madrid County Central 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.