Basketball Game Preview: Bethune Bobcats vs. Arickaree Bison

Bethune is 0-7 against Arickaree since December of 2014 but things could change on Friday. The Bethune Bobcats just played yesterday, but they'll still head out to face the Arickaree Bison at 7:00 p.m. Bethune will be strutting in after a win while Arickaree will be coming in after a loss.

Bethune will bounce into Friday's contest after beating Deer Trail, who they had gone 0-9 against in their nine prior meetings. Bethune secured a 40-35 W over Deer Trail on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Arickaree ended up a good deal behind Hi-Plains on Friday and lost 53-35. While the Bison didn't get the win, they did start the game off strong, beating the Patriots 17-10 in the first quarter.

Bethune will have to contain Ja'Niya Smith as she made an impact in Arickaree's last game. She went 7 for 17 en route to 21 points and five rebounds. With that strong performance, Smith is now averaging an impressive 15.8 points per game. Raeya Schrock was another key player, putting up six points.

Arickaree dropped their record down to 3-6 with the defeat, which was their third straight at home. As for Bethune, their victory ended an eight-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 5-3.

Bethune suffered a grim 47-22 defeat to Arickaree in their previous meeting back in January of 2024. Can Bethune avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.