Preview: Valley Forge Patriots vs. Cloverleaf Colts
The Valley Forge Patriots will be playing at home against the Cloverleaf Colts at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Hopefully Valley Forge focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 21 on Wednesday.
Valley Forge had to endure an eight-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They walked away with a 59-51 victory over Bedford. Valley Forge's offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Kallie Yeager was the offensive standout of the match as she scored 12 points along with seven steals. As a matter of fact, that's the most points she has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Mikayla Hoang, who scored 13 points along with nine rebounds.
Meanwhile, Cloverleaf's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Thursday after their third straight loss. They took a 53-44 hit to the loss column at the hands of Woodridge. Cloverleaf has not had much luck with Woodridge recently, as the team's come up short the last seven times they've met.
Despite the loss, Cloverleaf saw an underclassman step up: Evie Barth scored 17 points along with four steals. That was a full 38.6% of Cloverleaf's points, marking the third time in a row she's earned more than a third of the team's points. Emma Hibler was another key contributor, scoring six points along with eight rebounds and three steals.
Valley Forge's win ended a 12-game drought at home and bumped them up to 2-12. As for Cloverleaf, their loss dropped their record down to 6-9.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Valley Forge have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 30.7 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Cloverleaf struggles in that department as they've been averaging 29.3 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Valley Forge came up short against Cloverleaf in their previous matchup back in November of 2022, falling 39-34. Will Valley Forge have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
