Basketball Game Preview: Marceline Tigers vs. Westran Hornets

Marceline is 2-8 against Westran since February of 2017 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Marceline Tigers will face off against the Westran Hornets at 7:30 p.m. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Having struggled with 21 losses in a row dating back to last season, Marceline turned things around against Milan back in January. They secured a 41-37 W over the Wildcats. The Tigers' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

Meanwhile, Westran entered their tilt with New Franklin on Saturday with four consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with five. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the Bulldogs, sneaking past 48-45. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Hornets have posted since December 12, 2023.

Westran found their leader in sophomore Cruze Haynes, who went 5 of 10 en route to 13 points and three steals. Haynes is trending in the right direction considering he's improved his point production for three straight games. Brody Kallmeyer was another key player, putting up nine points.

Marceline's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-3. As for Westran, their victory bumped their record up to 17-4.

Marceline was dealt a bruising 80-29 defeat at the hands of Westran when the teams last played back in February of 2024. That contest was all but decided by halftime, at which point Marceline was down 45-15.