The Braxton County Eagles will finish 2023 at home by hosting the Independence Patriots at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Given that both teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.
Braxton County's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Friday after their third straight loss. They took a 55-43 hit to the loss column at the hands of Nicholas County. Braxton County has not had much luck with Nicholas County recently, as the team's come up short the last two times they've met.
Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the most dominant came from Adrian Lunceford, who scored 21 points. Those 21 points set a new season-high mark for her. Bailey Pritt was another key contributor, scoring six points along with five rebounds.
Meanwhile, after a string of four wins, Independence's good fortune finally ran out last Saturday. They were beaten by Sissonville 63-29. The result shouldn't come as a shock considering that's the fewest points Independence has scored all season.
Despite the defeat, Independence saw an underclassman step up: Harmony Mills dropped a double-double on 14 points and 11 rebounds. The contest was Mills' third in a row with at least ten points.
Braxton County's defeat ended a four-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 4-5. As for Independence, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-1.
Friday's contest is shaping up to be a scrappy game: Braxton County have been smashing the glass this season, having only averaged 32.6 rebounds per game. It's a different story for Independence, though, as they've been averaging only 37.4 rebounds per game. Given Braxton County's sizeable advantage in that area, Independence will need to find a way to close that gap.
Everything came up roses for Braxton County against Independence when the teams last played back in December of 2022 as the team secured a 74-24 win. With Braxton County ahead 47-7 at the half, the game was all but over already.
