Basketball Game Preview: Ferndale Yellow Jackets vs. Shade Panthers

The Ferndale Yellow Jackets will venture away from home to take on the Shade Panthers at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Last Friday, Ferndale didn't have too much breathing room in their contest against Johnstown Christian, but they still walked away with a 46-40 win. The victory was all the more spectacular given the Yellow Jackets' disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania basketball rankings (they are ranked 425th, while the Bluejays are ranked 129th).

Ferndale's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Deajah Chatman led the charge by putting up 14 points and three blocks. The team also got some help courtesy of Finni Mason, who posted 14 points in addition to six rebounds and six steals.

Ferndale smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in 14 consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Shade had to endure a 28-game losing streak dating back to last season, but that streak is no more. They managed a 44-39 win over North Star on Friday.

Shade's victory ended a 15-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 1-9. As for Ferndale, their win bumped their record up to 9-5.

Everything came up roses for Ferndale against Shade in their previous matchup back in December of 2024, as the squad secured a 57-30 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Ferndale since the team won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.