Basketball Game Preview: Ravenna Bluejays vs. Central City Bison

Ravenna is 7-2 against Central City since January of 2018 and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Thursday. The Ravenna Bluejays will challenge the Central City Bison at 6:00 p.m.

Ravenna is headed into the match out to prove that what happened against Minden on Tuesday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Ravenna took a blow against Minden, falling 60-24. While losing is never fun, the Bluejays can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska basketball rankings (they are ranked 231st, while the Whippets are ranked fifth).

Ravenna's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Reannon Siegel, who posted six points, and Kellie Huryta, who had ten points in addition to five rebounds and three steals. Huryta has been hot recently, having posted two or more steals the last four times she's played.

Meanwhile, Central City waltzed into their game on Tuesday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They blew past the Wildcats 50-26. The Bison have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won six contests by 23 points or more this season.

Central City's win came from a few key players Ravenna will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Hope Paup, who put up 13 points. The team also got some help courtesy of Reagan Fousek, who posted ten points.

Central City's win was their 14th straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 11-2. Those victories came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 25.3 points per game. As for Ravenna, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-10.

Ravenna came up short against Central City in their previous meeting back in January of 2024, falling 30-25. Can Ravenna avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.