Basketball Game Preview: Braxton County Eagles vs. Roane County Raiders

Braxton County and Roane County are an even 5-5 against one another since January of 2020, but not for long. The Braxton County Eagles will be playing in front of their home fans against the Roane County Raiders at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. One thing working in Braxton County's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last six contests.

Braxton County will bounce into Friday's game after beating Webster County, who they had gone 2-7 against in their nine prior meetings. Braxton County managed a 73-67 victory over Webster County on Friday. While the Eagles didn't have the best season last year (they finished 11-14), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.

Braxton County's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Logan Baldwin, who went 9 of 16 on his way to 26 points and six steals. Baldwin also put up a block, which washis first of the season. Brady Toler was another key player, putting up 17 points along with eight rebounds and three blocks.

Meanwhile, Roane County ended up a good deal behind Buffalo on Wednesday and lost 61-45. The defeat continues a trend for the Raiders in their matchups with the Bison: they've now lost four in a row.

Braxton County will have to contain Will Odle as he made an impact in Roane County's last game. He almost dropped a double-double on 22 points and nine boards. Odle is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down nine or more in the last five games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Cam Cumpston, who posted eight points in addition to five assists and five boards.

Roane County's loss dropped their record down to 2-6. As for Braxton County, their victory bumped their record up to 6-2.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Braxton County has been crashing the rebounds this season, having averaged 35.4 boards per game. However, it's not like Roane County struggles in that department as they've been averaging 31 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Braxton County came up short against Roane County in their previous matchup back in February of 2024, falling 48-38. Can Braxton County avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.