Preview: Gates County Red Barons vs. Hertford County Bears
The Gates County Red Barons just played last night, but they'll still head out to face the Hertford County Bears at 7:00 p.m. on December 27th. Gates County is coming into the contest hot, having won their last five games.
Gates County has made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won three contests by 27 points or more this season. They claimed a resounding 53-18 victory over Holmes on the road. That looming 53-18 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for Gates County yet this season.
Gates County relied on the efforts of Kyndall Banks, who scored 14 points along with three steals, and Zebriya Woodley, who scored eight points along with 14 rebounds. Banks is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last five games she's played. Another player making a difference was London Barber, who scored ten points along with four steals.
Meanwhile, winning is just a little bit easier when you drain six more threes than your opponent, a fact Hertford County proved on Friday. They secured a 50-44 W over C.B. Aycock.
It was another big night for Jaliyah Mitchell, who dropped a double-double on 22 points and ten rebounds. The game was her fifth in a row with at least ten points. Brooklynn White was another key contributor, scoring 15 points.
Gates County's record is now 7-1. Hertford County's record is now 2-4.
Wednesday's game is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Gates County have been smashing the glass this season, having only averaged 41.2 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Hertford County struggles in that department as they've been averaging only 23.7 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Gates County skirted past Hertford County 44-42 when the teams last played last Tuesday. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Mitchell, who dropped a double-double on 28 points and ten rebounds. Now that she's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Gates County still be able to contain him? There's only one way to find out.
