Basketball Game Preview: Mercer Island Islanders vs. Sammamish RedHawks

Mercer Island and Sammamish are an even 5-5 against one another since December of 2016, but not for long. The Mercer Island Islanders will venture away from home to challenge the Sammamish RedHawks at 7:15 p.m. on Friday. Mercer Island is coming into the match on a three-game losing streak.

On Wednesday, Mercer Island came up short against Inglemoor and fell 65-55. While the Islanders didn't get the win, they did start the game off strong, beating the Vikings 18-13 in the first quarter.

Meanwhile, Sammamish was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Tuesday as they fell 49-43 to North Creek. The RedHawks have struggled against the Jaguars recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive lost matchup.

Mercer Island will need focus on slowing down Sophia Eastman, one of several Sammamish players who made an impact when they last played. She posted 14 points in addition to seven rebounds and three steals. Eastman has been hot recently, having posted two or more steals the last three times she's played. Another player making a difference was Cerise Boyer, who had nine points.

Sammamish's loss dropped their record down to 4-11. As for Mercer Island, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-12.

Mercer Island came up short against Sammamish in their previous matchup back in April of 2021, falling 41-32. Can Mercer Island avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.