Basketball Game Preview: Natoma Tigers vs. St. John's/Tipton Catholic Blujays

Natoma is 0-10 against St. John's/Tipton Catholic since December of 2016 but things could change on Friday. The Tigers just played last yesterday, but they'll still welcome the Blujays at 7:00 p.m. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

After dropping their season opener at home, St. John's/Tipton Catholic is headed out to face a Tigers team ready to give their home crowd a win. Natoma was beaten by Otis-Bison 63-30 on Thursday. The Tigers were down 45-24 at the end of the third quarter, and things only got worse from there.

Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Colton Prowse, who posted six points. Another player making a difference was Simone Benazzi, who put up six points and nine rebounds.

Meanwhile, St. John's/Tipton Catholic had to hit the road for their first game and it wasn't the result they were hoping for. The contest between the Blujays and Sacred Heart didn't end well, with the Blujays falling 68-50. The Blujays haven't had much luck with the Knights recently, as the team has come up short the last six times they've met.

Natoma will have to keep a close watch on Edward Horinek and Dominic Eilert, a pair of players who had a big impact on St. John's/Tipton Catholic's prior game. Horinek went 8-for-15 on his way to 23 points in addition to seven boards and three steals, while Eilert shot 63% from the field en route to 12 points and six rebounds.

Natoma was taken down by St. John's/Tipton Catholic 74-24 in their previous matchup back in December of 2024. That game was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Tigers were down 44-10.