Basketball Game Preview: Simeon Wolverines vs. Proviso East Pirates

Having just played yesterday, the Simeon Wolverines will jump right back in to play the Proviso East Pirates at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Simeon saw some tournament action on Thursday. They took down Crete-Monee 51-35.

Simeon's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Dijona Berrien, who dropped a double-double on 14 points and 11 boards. Berrien is also on a roll when it comes to blocks, as she's now posted two or more in the last four games she's played. Gabby Howard was another key player, going 6 for 11 on her way to 13 points and five rebounds.

While Proviso East didn't have the best season last year (they finished 10-18), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They enjoyed a cozy 53-38 victory over Tinley Park on Thursday. Given the Pirates' advantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 275th, while the Titans are ranked 642nd), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Simeon's record now sits at 6-7. As for Proviso East, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests, which provided a nice bump to their 7-5 record this season.

Simeon came up short against Proviso East when the teams last played back in November of 2018, falling 65-59. Thankfully for Simeon, Keimari Rimmer (who dropped a double-double on 26 points and 16 rebounds) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.