Basketball Game Preview: Hardin Northern Polar Bears vs. New Knoxville Rangers

The Hardin Northern Polar Bears will be taking part in a tournament against the New Knoxville Rangers at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Hardin Northern will be looking to extend their current seven-game winning streak.

Last Saturday, Hardin Northern beat Upper Scioto Valley 43-33.

Addy Bacon

Field Goal Percentage

02/08/25 @ Upper Scioto Valley	46%
02/06/25 vs Calvary Christian	60%
02/04/25 vs Temple Christian	56%
02/01/25 @ Crestline	71%
01/30/25 vs Ridgemont	50%
+ 2 more games

Hardin Northern's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Addy Bacon led the charge by going 6-for-13 en route to 12 points along with eight boards and six steals. Bacon is also on a roll when it comes to field goal percentage, as she's posted one of at least 46% in the last seven games she's played. Baylie Bacon was another key player, putting up nine points in addition to eight rebounds and seven steals.

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

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask New Knoxville). They blew past Upper Scioto Valley 66-39 on Wednesday. The victory continues a trend for the Rangers in their matchups with the Rams: they've now won four in a row.

Hardin Northern pushed their record up to 14-8 with the win, which was their third straight on the road. The wins came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 24.0 points over those games. As for New Knoxville, their victory bumped their record up to 6-17.

Hardin Northern was dealt a bruising 54-20 defeat at the hands of New Knoxville when the teams last played back in February of 2022. Will Hardin Northern have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.