Basketball Game Preview: Hibriten Panthers vs. North Wilkes Vikings

Having just played yesterday, the Hibriten Panthers will jump right back in to play the North Wilkes Vikings at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Hibriten knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 55 points or more in their past four contests -- so hopefully North Wilkes likes a good challenge.

It was a proper cat-fight when Hibriten faced off against Asheville Christian Academy on Thursday. Hibriten breezed by Asheville Christian Academy to the tune of 56-28. The Panthers have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won six matchups by 23 points or more this season.

Hibriten found their leader in sophomore Aamori Patterson, who posted 11 points in addition to five boards and three steals. Patterson is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed three or more in the last four games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Kara Connor, who had seven points.

Hibriten smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 20 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, North Wilkes didn't have too much trouble with North Buncombe on Thursday as they won 54-35. Given the Vikings' advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 12th, while the Black Hawks are ranked 118th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Hibriten's record is now 8-3. As for North Wilkes, their record is now 8-1.

Everything came up roses for Hibriten against North Wilkes in their previous meeting back in January of 2022, as the squad secured a 79-52 win. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was North Wilkes' Ralee Bare, who put up 18 points along with eight assists and five boards. Now that she's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Hibriten still be able to contain Bare? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.