Basketball Game Preview: Berry Cardinals vs. Palisades Pumas

The Berry Cardinals will face off against the Palisades Pumas at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Given that both suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this game.

Last Friday, Berry ended up a good deal behind Olympic and lost 46-32. The Cardinals haven't had much luck with the Trojans recently, as the team's come up short the last two times they've met.

Despite the defeat, Berry had strong showings from Annabella Hall, who posted 14 points, and Zahnia Long, who earned 12 points.

Meanwhile, Palisades suffered their biggest loss since December 7, 2024 on Friday. They lost 54-33 to Ardrey Kell.

Berry will have to contain Jade Marshall as she made an impact in Palisades' last game. She went 5 for 10 on her way to 10 points in addition to eight rebounds and four steals. Marshall is crushing it when it comes to steals: she's grabbed at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Tynilla Simpkins was another key player, putting up six points along with seven boards and three steals.

Even though they lost, Palisades smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 12 offensive rebounds in five consecutive matches.

Berry's defeat dropped their record down to 5-10. As for Palisades, their loss was their third straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 7-10.

Berry lost to Palisades on the road by a decisive 37-22 margin in their previous matchup back in December of 2024. A big factor in that loss was the dominant performance of Marshall, who dropped a double-double on 13 points and ten rebounds. Now that Berry knows the damage she can cause, will they be able to stop her this time? There's only one way to find out.