Basketball Game Preview: Hillcrest Rams vs. J.L. Mann Patriots

Hillcrest hasn't had much luck against J.L. Mann recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Hillcrest Rams will be home for the holidays to greet the J.L. Mann Patriots at 6:00 p.m. Given that both suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this game.

Hillcrest is headed into Monday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Friday. They took a 36-25 hit to the loss column at the hands of Fountain Inn. While losing is never fun, the Rams can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' South Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 122nd, while the Fury are ranked 23rd).

Meanwhile, J.L. Mann was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap last Friday as they fell 72-67 to Riverside.

Hillcrest will need focus on slowing down Breah Franks, one of several J.L. Mann players who made an impact when they last played. She almost dropped a double-double on 17 points and nine boards. Franks is trending in the right direction considering she's improved her point production for three straight games. The team also got some help courtesy of Imari Richardson, who went 7 of 13 on her way to 14 points and three steals.

Even though they lost, J.L. Mann smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 14 offensive rebounds in five consecutive matches dating back to last season.

J.L. Mann's defeat dropped their record down to 1-3. As for Hillcrest, their loss dropped their record down to 2-6.

Hillcrest took a serious blow against J.L. Mann in their previous meeting back in February, falling 68-38. Will Hillcrest have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more basketball content.