Basketball Game Preview: Anzar Hawks vs. Kirby Prep Griffins

Anzar and Kirby Prep are an even 5-5 against one another since January of 2019, but not for long. The Anzar Hawks will head out on the road to take on the Kirby Prep Griffins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.

Anzar came up short against Pajaro Valley on Wednesday, falling 72-48. While the Hawks didn't get the win, they did start the game off strong, beating the Grizzlies 21-8 in the first quarter.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Kirby Prep). They took down Ceiba College Preparatory Academy 58-40 on Monday. The victory was some much needed relief for the Griffins as it spelled an end to their seven-game losing streak.

Anzar better focus on containing Rain Li and Chris Lively as the pair were huge in Kirby Prep's win. Li posted 19 points and eight boards, while Lively scored 18 points and seven rebounds. The dominant performance gave Lively a new career-high in rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Cameron Jacobs, who put up six points and four steals.

Anzar's defeat dropped their record down to 6-5. As for Kirby Prep, their win was their first in the league, bumping their league record up to 1-2 and their overall record up to 2-9.

Anzar came up short against Kirby Prep in their previous meeting back in February of 2024, falling 45-38. Can Anzar avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.