Osmond/Randolph is on an eight-game streak of home losses (dating back to last season), Winside a nine-game streak of away losses (dating back to last season), but someone's luck is about to change. The Osmond/Randolph Hawks will finish 2023 at home by hosting the Winside Wildcats at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this match.
Osmond/Randolph struggled with assists on Thursday (Elkhorn Valley had nine more) and sadly the final score reflected it. Osmond/Randolph took a serious blow against Elkhorn Valley, falling 52-10. The result shouldn't come as a shock considering that's the fewest points Osmond/Randolph has scored all season.
Despite the loss, Osmond/Randolph had strong showings from Keli Aschoff, who scored five points along with four steals, and Sophie Gansebom, who scored no points.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Osmond/Randolph struggled to work together and finished the game with only two assists. That's the fewest assists they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Winside ended up a good deal behind Lyons-Decatur Northeast on Tuesday and lost 41-26.
Despite the loss, Winside saw an underclassman step up: Hadleigh Schutt dropped a double-double on 12 points and 13 rebounds. Schutt has been hot recently, having posted eight or more rebounds the last three times she's played.
Osmond/Randolph's loss dropped their record down to 0-7. As for Winside, their loss dropped their record down to 1-6.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Osmond/Randolph have been smashing the glass this season, having only averaged 28.4 rebounds per game. It's a different story for Winside, though, as they've been averaging only 30 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Osmond/Randolph won a match that couldn't have been any closer in their previous meeting back in January, slipping by Winside 27-26. Will Osmond/Randolph repeat their success, or does Winside have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.