Basketball Preview: Cannon Cougars vs. Providence Day Chargers
The Cannon Cougars will head out on the road to square off against the Providence Day Chargers at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Cannon knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with flashy point totals in its past nine games -- so hopefully the Chargers like a good challenge.
Cannon scored the most points they've had all season to find success on Friday. They really took it to Charlotte Christian for the full four quarters, racking up a 81-26 victory at home. Cannon has made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won ten games by 20 points or more this season.
Maya Mccorkle and Kierra Morrow were among the main playmakers for Cannon as the former dropped a double-double on 18 points and 11 rebounds and the latter dropped a double-double on 21 points and 11 rebounds. Morrow hasn't dropped below two steals for four straight games. Brooke Busby was another key contributor, scoring 15 points along with two steals.
Meanwhile, Providence Day's game on Friday was all tied up 19-19 at the half, but sadly for them it didn't stay that way. They took a 46-37 hit to the loss column at the hands of Legacy Early College. While losing is never fun, Providence Day can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps's basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 28th in North Carolina, while the Lions are ranked fourth in South Carolina).
Providence Day's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Jaida Mcclure, who scored 16 points, and Ellie Fyans who scored 11 points along with six rebounds. Mcclure is on a roll when it comes to points, as she's now scored 15 or more in the last three games she's played.
Cannon pushed their record up to 18-7 with that victory, which was their 21st straight at home dating back to last season. They've been dominating during the matchups in that stretch too, as they've won by an average of 36.9 points. As for Providence Day, their defeat dropped their record down to 18-8.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Cannon have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 33.8 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Providence Day struggles in that department as they've been averaging 25.5 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Cannon strolled past the Chargers in their previous matchup back in January by a score of 63-47. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Mcclure, who scored 19 points along with three steals. Now that she's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Cannon still be able to contain Mcclure? There's only one way to find out.
