Basketball Game Preview: Genoa-Hugo/Karval Pirates vs. Flagler Panthers

For the first time this season, Genoa-Hugo/Karval will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will be home for the holidays to greet the Flagler Panthers at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday.

On Friday, Genoa-Hugo/Karval didn't have quite enough to beat Evangel Christian Academy and fell 40-38.

Amy James

Steals

12/12/25 vs Evangel Christian Academy	2
12/11/25 vs Lone Star	4
12/06/25 @ Briggsdale	3
12/05/25 vs Idalia	2
03/08/25 vs Eads	3
03/07/25 vs Nucla	5

Despite their loss, Genoa-Hugo/Karval saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Amy James, who went 5-for-11 to rack up 12 points and six rebounds, was perhaps the best of all. James is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in each of the last six games she's played dating back to last season. Rylee Kelly was another key player, putting up 11 points.

Meanwhile, Flagler strolled into their game on Friday with a perfect record and they left with the same. They came out on top against Kit Carson by a score of 44-33. The Panthers pushed the score to 44-22 by the end of the third, a deficit the Wildcats cut but never quite recovered from.

Genoa-Hugo/Karval better focus on containing Jenna Schier and Belle Schier as the pair were huge in Flagler's win. Jenna almost dropped a double-double with nine points and 12 boards, while Belle posted eight points along with nine rebounds and three steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Rylie Berry, who dropped a double-double with 12 points and ten boards.

Flagler smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 28 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 12 consecutive games dating back to last season.

Genoa-Hugo/Karval's defeat dropped their record down to 1-3. As for Flagler, their victory bumped their record up to 3-0.

Genoa-Hugo/Karval ended up a good deal behind Flagler in their previous matchup back in December of 2024, losing 42-27. Will the Pirates have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.