Basketball Game Preview: Independence Falcons vs. Shafter Generals

The Independence Falcons will face off against the Shafter Generals at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

It was a Battle of the Birds when Independence took on Bakersfield Christian on Thursday. Independence was dealt a 72-24 loss at the hands of Bakersfield Christian. The Falcons haven't had much luck with the Eagles recently, as the team's come up short the last eight times they've met.

Meanwhile, Shafter had already won eight in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 43.1 points) and they went ahead and made it nine on Thursday. They claimed a resounding 73-14 victory over the Thunderbirds. Given the Generals' advantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 251st, while the Thunderbirds are ranked 1335th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Independence better keep an eye on Kyla Schooley. She was instrumental in Shafter's win, going 9 of 17 en route to 23 points along with eight rebounds and five steals. Schooley is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last three games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of AnneMarie Piuser, who posted 11 points in addition to six assists and six boards.

Shafter pushed their record up to 20-5 with the win, which was their 19th straight at home dating back to last season. Those victories came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 28.1 points over those games. As for Independence, their defeat dropped their record down to 12-10.

Independence came up short against Shafter when the teams last played back in December of 2024, falling 48-43. Will Independence 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.