Basketball Game Preview: Central Regional Golden Eagles vs. Manchester Township Hawks

It'll be Battle of the Birds when the Central Regional Golden Eagles challenge the Manchester Township Hawks at 5:15 p.m. on Friday... Manchester Township took a loss in their last match and will be looking to turn the tables on Central Regional, who comes in off a win.

Having struggled with 12 losses in a row dating back to last season, Central Regional turned things around against Toms River North on Tuesday. They pulled ahead with a 36-35 photo finish over the Mariners.

Meanwhile, Manchester Township ended up a good deal behind Southern Regional on Wednesday and lost 56-41. The Hawks have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Despite the defeat, Manchester Township saw an underclassman step up: freshman Savannah Jackson posted ten points along with seven boards and six steals. Those six steals set a new season-high mark for Jackson. Marisiya Goins was another key player, putting up five points and four steals.

Even though they lost, Manchester Township smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.

Central Regional's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-7. As for Manchester Township, they now have a losing record at 4-5.

Central Regional came up short against Manchester Township when the teams last played two weeks ago, falling 47-42. Can Central Regional avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.