Basketball Game Preview: Manual Thunderbolts vs. KIPP Denver Collegiate White Tigers

The Manual Thunderbolts will take on the KIPP Denver Collegiate White Tigers at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. KIPP Denver Collegiate took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on Manual, who comes in off a win.

While Manual didn't have the best season last year (they finished 7-13), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They breezed by Rocky Mountain Prep SMART to the tune of 57-17 on Tuesday. That 40 point margin sets a new team best for the Thunderbolts this season.

Manual's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Caylei Walker led the charge by almost dropping a double-double on nine points and ten rebounds. Walker is trending in the right direction considering she's improved her point production for three straight games. Jaci Collins-Falcon was another key player, going 7 for 13 on her way to 16 points.

Meanwhile, KIPP Denver Collegiate has relied on a stalwart defense averaging 27.25 points allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Tuesday. They were beaten by DSST: Cedar 63-36. The loss was the White Tigers' first of the season.

Manual will have to contain Shaila Ramirez as she made an impact in KIPP Denver Collegiate's last game. She posted 19 points in addition to eight rebounds and six steals. Ramirez is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last six games she's played dating back to last season.

Even though they lost, KIPP Denver Collegiate smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive boards. That's the most offensive boards they've managed all season.

Manual's victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 6-1. The wins came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 23.3 points per game. As for KIPP Denver Collegiate, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 3-1.

Everything went Manual's way against KIPP Denver Collegiate in their previous meeting back in February of 2016, as Manual made off with a 65-40 win. Will Manual repeat their success, or does KIPP Denver Collegiate have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.