Keystone is 9-1 against Black River since January of 2019, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Keystone Wildcats will be playing at home against the Black River Pirates at 7:00 p.m. Hopefully Keystone focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up eight on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Keystone came up short against North Olmsted and fell 56-49. Keystone has now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Grant Hartley put forth a good effort for the losing side as he dropped a double-double on 25 points and 11 rebounds. Hartley is absolutely dominating the steal category: he's posted at least two every time he's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Liam Goran, who scored 13 points along with five rebounds.
Meanwhile, Black River had to endure a six-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They strolled past Oberlin with points to spare on Monday, taking the game 70-55. Having run the score up that high, both teams might be doing some extra defensive drills very soon.
Black River's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Zane Bungard, who dropped a double-double on 29 points and ten rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Bungard has scored all season. Another player making a difference was John Kray, who scored 19 points along with eight rebounds and three steals.
Keystone has traveled a rocky road recently, as they've lost five of their last six matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-8 record this season. As for Black River, their victory ended a three-game drought at home and bumped them up to 2-12.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Keystone have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 30.9 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Black River struggles in that department as they've been averaging 28 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Keystone took their victory against Black River in their previous meeting back in December of 2023 by a conclusive 70-47. Will Keystone repeat their success, or does Black River have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
