Basketball Game Preview: Redwood Rangers vs. Monache Marauders

The Redwood Rangers are taking a road trip to square off against the Monache Marauders at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Last Tuesday, Redwood didn't have too much breathing room in their game against Porterville, but they still walked away with a 44-39 win. Given the Rangers' advantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 351st, while the Panthers are ranked 862nd), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Jazmaine Stewart was nothing short of spectacular: she went 7 for 17 on her way to 21 points in addition to seven rebounds and four steals. Stewart is crushing it when it comes to steals: she's grabbed at least two every time she's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Jelena Singkeovilay, who posted five points and five steals.

Redwood smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards in 15 consecutive matches.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Monache). They blew past El Diamante, posting a 75-27 victory. The team's explosion on offense also rewarded the Marauders with their most commanding win of the season.

Redwood has been performing well recently as they've won six of their last eight contests, which provided a nice bump to their 10-7 record this season. As for Monache, their record now sits at 10-5.

Redwood was taken down by Monache 54-25 when the teams last played back in February of 2024. Can Redwood avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.