Preview: West Valley Eagles vs. Lassen Grizzlies
The West Valley Eagles will head out on the road to face off against the Lassen Grizzlies at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. One thing working in West Valley's favor is that they have posted big point totals in their last six games.
In what's become a running theme this season, West Valley gave their fans yet another huge win on Tuesday. They were the clear victor by a 68-47 margin over University Prep.
Kayla Wiley continued her habit of posting crazy stat lines, dropping a double-double on 25 points and 19 rebounds. She is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as she's now pulled down 12 or more in the last four games she's played. Whitney King was another key contributor, scoring 13 points along with three steals.
Meanwhile, Lassen's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Friday after their fifth straight loss. They took a 51-43 hit to the loss column at the hands of Yreka. Lassen found out winning isn't easy when you're outrebounded 16 to 7 on offense.
Despite the defeat, Lassen had strong showings from Kinley Somerville, who scored 15 points along with four steals, and Brook Medovitch, who scored 13 points along with six steals. Another player making a difference was Mili Crosno, who scored eight points along with four steals.
West Valley pushed their record up to 20-7 with that victory, which was their seventh straight at home. Those victories were due in large part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 65.3 points per game. As for Lassen, they have been struggling recently as they've lost ten of their last 11 matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 8-17 record this season.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: West Valley have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 44.7 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Lassen struggles in that department as they've been averaging 27.7 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Everything came up roses for West Valley against Lassen when the teams last played back in January as the squad secured a 75-39 win. With West Valley ahead 39-19 at the half, the match was all but over already.
