Basketball Game Preview: Thunder Ridge Longhorns vs. Lakeside Knights

The Thunder Ridge Longhorns will square off against the Lakeside Knights 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 matchup.

Thunder Ridge is headed into the game out to prove that what happened against Northern Valley back in December of 2024 (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Thunder Ridge had to suffer through a 45-14 loss at the hands of Northern Valley. The Longhorns were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 27-7.

Despite the loss, Thunder Ridge had strong showings from Jenna Barnes, who posted seven points and five steals, and Lexi Rust, who put up no points. Barnes is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed four or more in the last three games she's played.

Meanwhile, Lakeside was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their sixth straight defeat. They were six points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 47-41 heartbreaker at the hands of Pike Valley. One positive for the Knights, at least, is that this was the most points they've scored all season.

Thunder Ridge will need focus on slowing down Marley McCoy, one of several Lakeside players who made an impact when they last played. She earned six points and nine rebounds. That's the most rebounds McCoy has posted since back in January of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Cambri Schoen, who went 5 of 11 on her way to 13 points.

Lakeside's loss dropped their record down to 1-6. As for Thunder Ridge, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-3.

Everything went Thunder Ridge's way against Lakeside in their previous matchup back in December of 2024, as Thunder Ridge made off with a 48-24 victory. Does Thunder Ridge have another victory up their sleeve, or will Lakeside turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.