Basketball Game Preview: Villa Grove Blue Devils vs. Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond Knights

Villa Grove is 0-5 against Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond since December of 2017 but things could change on Monday. The Villa Grove Blue Devils are taking a road trip to face off against the Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond Knights at 7:30 p.m. Villa Grove will be strutting in after a win while Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond will be coming in after a defeat.

Having struggled with three losses in a row, Villa Grove turned things around against Okaw Valley on Thursday. They managed a 41-36 victory over the Timberwolves.

Meanwhile, Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond suffered their biggest defeat since December 9, 2024 on Saturday. They were outmatched by Central A & M and fell 57-25. The Knights were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 55-23.

Villa Grove will need focus on slowing down Morgan Casteel, one of several Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond players who made an impact when they last played. She posted five points and five boards. Sophie Monts was another key player, putting up nine points.

The loss snapped Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond's winning streak at four games and leaves them with a 11-13 record. As for Villa Grove, their win ended a 16-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-14.

Villa Grove was taken down by Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond 41-8 in their previous matchup back in January of 2024. Thankfully for Villa Grove, Claire Seal (who dropped a double-double on 14 points and 11 rebounds) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.