The James Monroe Mavericks and the Independence Patriots will round out the year against one another at at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Both are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
Independence is hoping to do what Bluefield couldn't on Friday: put an end to James Monroe's winning streak, which now stands at four games. James Monroe blew past Bluefield, posting a 62-28 win. That 34 point margin sets a new team best for the Mavericks this season.
James Monroe relied on the efforts of Maggie Boroski, who almost dropped a double-double on 23 points and nine steals, and Mya Dunlap, who posted 18 points in addition to six assists and three steals. That makes it three consecutive games in which Boroski has scored at least a third of James Monroe's points. The team also got some help courtesy of Ava Dunlap, who had two points and three steals.
James Monroe smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 21 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards in 13 consecutive contests dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Independence, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Saturday. They breezed by Liberty to the tune of 66-32 on Thursday. The matchup was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 44-16.
James Monroe better keep an eye on Harmony Mills. She was instrumental in Independence's win, going 11 of 16 on her way to 27 points along with six boards and six steals. Mills has been hot for a while, having posted two or more steals the last 16 times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Lacey Goodson, who dropped a double-double on 16 points and 11 boards.
James Monroe pushed their record up to 4-2 with the victory, which was their 13th straight at home dating back to last season. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 36.3 points. As for Independence, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-2.
This contest is shaping up to be a blowout: James Monroe hasn't had any problem running up the score this season, having averaged 56.7 points per game. It's a different story for Independence, though, as they've been averaging only 39 points. The only thing between James Monroe and another offensive beatdown is Independence. Will they be able to keep them contained?
Everything came up roses for James Monroe against Independence in their previous matchup back in February of 2017, as the team secured a 63-22 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for James Monroe since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
