Basketball Game Preview: Libertyville Wildcats vs. Stevenson Patriots

Libertyville and Stevenson are an even 5-5 against one another since March of 2021, but not for long. The Libertyville Wildcats will square off against the Stevenson Patriots at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.

Libertyville is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering Benet Academy just ended the team's 12-game winning streak on Monday. They came up short against the Redwings, falling 74-48. While losing is never fun, the Wildcats can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 31st, while the Redwings are ranked first).

Meanwhile, Stevenson beat Glenbrook North 44-37 on Tuesday.

Stevenson has also been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games, which provided a nice bump to their 14-8 record this season. Those victories came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 54.7 points per game. As for Libertyville, their defeat ended a seven-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 17-5.

Everything came up roses for Libertyville against Stevenson in their previous matchup back in December of 2024, as the squad secured a 52-25 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Libertyville since the team won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.