Preview: Nease Panthers vs. Oakleaf Knights
Nease has been on the road for two straight, but on Tuesday they'll finally head home. They will take on the Oakleaf Knights at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Nease has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.
Last Monday, Nease came up short against St. Augustine and fell 62-51. While losing is never fun, Nease can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida basketball rankings (they are ranked 286th, while St. Augustine is ranked 59th).
Nease's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Daniela Reich, who scored 12 points along with seven rebounds and seven steals, and McKenna Owens who scored 14 points along with three steals. Owens set a new season high mark in points with 14. Another player making a difference was Abilgail Robinson, who scored six points.
Oakleaf can finally bid farewell to their six-game losing streak dating back to last season thanks to their game on Thursday. They took down Bartram Trail 47-30. Oakleaf's offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Oakleaf's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Makiya Trusel led the charge by scoring 14 points. Trusel set a new season high mark in points with 14. The team also got some help courtesy of Shelby Gaines, who scored eight points along with four steals.
Nease's defeat ended a four-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 2-3. As for Oakleaf, their victory bumped their record up to 1-5.
Tuesday's match is shaping up to be a scrappy match: Nease have been smashing the glass this season, having only averaged 28.6 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Oakleaf struggles in that department as they've been averaging only 22 rebounds per game. Given Nease's sizeable advantage in that area, Oakleaf will need to find a way to close that gap.
Nease might still be hurting after the 76-54 loss they got from Oakleaf in their previous meeting back in January. Will Nease 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.
