Basketball Game Preview: Valentine vs. Bayard Tigers

Valentine will challenge the Bayard Tigers at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this game.

Last Thursday, Valentine ended up a good deal behind North Central and lost 56-40.

Paige Sprenger

Points

02/13/25 vs North Central	21
02/08/25 vs Chadron	29
02/07/25 @ Gothenburg	33

Despite the defeat, Valentine had strong showings from Paige Sprenger, who posted 21 points along with eight rebounds and six steals, and Joni Cox, who had 14 points in addition to five boards and four steals. Sprenger's evening made it three games in a row in which she has scored at least 21 points. Camilla Brown also deserves some recognition as she posted her first assist of the season.

Even though they lost, Valentine smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in four consecutive matchups.

Meanwhile, Bayard was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their fourth straight loss. They fell 45-32 to South Platte.

Valentine will need to focus on slowing down Shayleigh West, one of several Bayard players who made an impact when they last played. She put up 13 points. West is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in each of the last six games she's played. Jayde McAllister was another key player, putting up two points in addition to six steals and five boards.

Valentine has traveled a rocky road recently having lost eight of their last nine contests, which has put a noticeable dent in their 6-16 record this season. As for Bayard, they now have a losing record of 10-11.