Basketball Game Preview: Holmes Aces vs. Hertford County Bears

Holmes is 0-10 against Hertford County since February of 2017 but things could change on Friday. The Holmes Aces will look to defend their home court against the Hertford County Bears at 7:30 p.m. That match will pit two of the most dominant guards against one another: Tucker Baldwin and Rimiez Williams.

Last Monday, Holmes ended up a good deal behind Lakeland and lost 58-43. While losing is never fun, the Aces can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 353rd in North Carolina, while the Cavaliers are ranked 169th in Virginia).

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Hertford County). They breezed by Manteo to the tune of 85-46 on Friday. The team's explosion on offense also rewarded the Bears with their most commanding win of the season.

Holmes better focus on containing Williams and Shimere Garris as the pair were huge in Hertford County's win. Williams went 13 for 21 en route to 30 points in addition to seven steals and five assists, while Garris dropped a double-double on 24 points and 11 rebounds. Williams' evening made it four games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. Remelo Roberston was another key player, putting up eight points and five boards.

Hertford County smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 22 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've posted since back in January of 2024.

The win made it two in a row for Hertford County and bumps their season record up to 4-8. As for Holmes, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-5.

Holmes took a serious blow against Hertford County when the teams last played back in February of 2024, falling 81-43. Can Holmes avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.