Basketball Recap: Hardin-Jefferson Snaps Five-Game Streak of Losses at Home

Hardin-Jefferson came into Tuesday's contest having lost three straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They strolled past the Shepherd Pirates with points to spare on Tuesday, taking the game 68-49. That's more bragging rights for the Hawks, who also won the pair's last head-to-head.

Hardin-Jefferson got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Taveyian Thomas out in front who went 9 for 17 on his way to 21 points along with eight steals and six assists. That's the most assists Thomas has posted since back in November of 2024. Jhavon Williams was another key player, going 7 of 13 en route to 16 points in addition to eight rebounds and seven steals.

Hardin-Jefferson 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 ten offensive rebounds in four consecutive matchups.

Despite the defeat, Shepherd saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Brayden White dropped a double-double on 30 points and 14 boards. The game was White's tenth in a row with at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Bryson Goodman, who posted five points and five assists.

Hardin-Jefferson's win ended a five-game drought at home and bumped them up to 9-13. As for Shepherd, their loss was their third straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 16-13.

Coincidentally, the two teams will both be playing Tarkington the next time they take the court. Hardin-Jefferson will head out to face Tarkington at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, while Shepherd will head out to face them at 7:00 p.m. on January 21st.