Basketball Game Preview: Ensworth Tigers vs. Pope John Paul II Knights

The Ensworth Tigers will challenge the Pope John Paul II Knights at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

Ensworth is probably headed into the matchup with a chip on their shoulder considering Brentwood Academy just ended the team's four-game winning streak on Tuesday. They fell 53-43 to the Eagles.

Meanwhile, Pope John Paul II faced Montgomery Bell Academy in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Tuesday. Pope John Paul II took a 69-61 hit to the loss column at the hands of Montgomery Bell Academy. It was the first time this season that the Knights let down their fans at home.

Ensworth will have to contain Trey Pearson as he made an impact in Pope John Paul II's last game. He went 6 for 10 en route to 17 points along with six rebounds and five assists. Another player making a difference was Jack Valentine, who posted eight points and five boards.

Pope John Paul II's defeat ended a ten-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 20-3. As for Ensworth, their loss dropped their record down to 15-5.

Ensworth came up short against Pope John Paul II in their previous meeting on January 3rd, falling 70-64. A big factor in that loss was the dominant performance of Pope John Paul II's Kamden Days, who dropped a double-double on 25 points and 14 rebounds. Now that Ensworth knows the damage he can cause, will they be able to stop him this time? There's only one way to find out.