Basketball Game Preview: DeSoto County Bulldogs vs. Charlotte Fightin' Tarpons

DeSoto County hasn't had much luck against Charlotte recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The DeSoto County Bulldogs are taking a road trip to square off against the Charlotte Fightin' Tarpons at 7:30 p.m. DeSoto County is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.

DeSoto County is headed into the match having just posted their closest victory since December 21, 2023 on Friday. They had just enough and edged North Port out 59-56. Given the Bulldogs' advantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 27th, while the Bobcats are ranked 237th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead DeSoto County to victory, but perhaps none more so than Yahri Tyler, who dropped a double-double on 21 points and 17 boards. The game was Tyler's fifth in a row with at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Cherish Wiggins, who dropped a double-double on 20 points and 13 boards.

DeSoto County smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive rebounds in seven consecutive contests.

Meanwhile, everything came up roses for Charlotte against Fort Myers on Friday as the squad secured a 62-16 win. That looming 62-16 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Fightin' Tarpons yet this season.

DeSoto County's victory was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 9-0. Those victories came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 58.2 points per game. As for Charlotte, their record now sits at 6-3.

DeSoto County took a serious blow against Charlotte in their previous matchup back in January of 2023, falling 84-32. Thankfully for DeSoto County, D'Yanis Jimenez (who went 10 of 12 on her way to 28 points and three steals) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.