Basketball Preview: KIPP Denver Collegiate White Tigers vs. Middle Park Panthers
KIPP Denver Collegiate has been on the road for six straight, but on Monday they'll finally head home. They will take on the Middle Park Panthers at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Both teams come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
KIPP Denver Collegiate scored the most points they've had all season to find success on Saturday. They walked away with a 41-32 win over Non Varsity Opponent.
KIPP Denver Collegiate relied on the efforts of Kayla Martel, who scored 13 points along with eight rebounds and three steals, and Shaila Ramirez, who scored 18 points along with seven rebounds and two steals. That makes it five consecutive games in which Ramirez has scored at least a third of KIPP Denver Collegiate's points.
Meanwhile, Middle Park waltzed into their match last Saturday with five straight wins but they left with six. They came out on top against Forge Christian by a score of 39-32.
Middle Park's success was spearheaded by the efforts of Aubree Hanson, who scored nine points along with five steals, and Dana Bell, who scored five points along with six rebounds and six steals. Hanson has been hot recently, having posted four or more steals the last six times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Josie Nance, who scored three points along with four steals.
KIPP Denver Collegiate's victory ended a nine-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-9. As for Middle Park, their win was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 9-6.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: KIPP Denver Collegiate have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 20.1 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Middle Park struggles in that department as they've been averaging 32.6 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
KIPP Denver Collegiate took a serious blow against the Panthers when the teams last played back in January of 2023, falling 52-21. Thankfully for KIPP Denver Collegiate, Aida Hester (who scored 16 points along with seven rebounds and six steals) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
