The High Plains Storm and the Giltner Hornets will compete for holiday cheer at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. High Plains is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 61.4 points per game this season.
High Plains took a loss when they played away from home on Thursday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat Nebraska Christian 82-49. The Storm have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won three contests by 25 points or more this season.
| 12/17/24 vs Nebraska Christian | 20 |
| 12/12/23 @ Nebraska Christian | 20 |
| 01/04/24 vs Hampton | 19 |
| 12/10/24 vs Dorchester | 18 |
| 12/19/23 vs Shelby-Rising City | 17 |
High Plains' success was spearheaded by the efforts of Ayden Hans, who went 8 for 13 on his way to 22 points and three steals, and Carter Urkoski, who dropped a double-double on 20 points and ten boards. That's the most points Urkoski has posted since back in December of 2023. Brodey Spurling was another key player, going 5 of 12 on his way to 10 points along with eight rebounds and three blocks.
High Plains was working as a unit and finished the game with 19 assists. That's the most assists they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Giltner entered their match against Nebraska Lutheran on Tuesday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. Giltner was beaten by Nebraska Lutheran 54-18. The game marked the Hornets' lowest-scoring contest so far this season.
Despite the loss, Giltner saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Braxton Cady posted six points. Cady is also crushing it when it comes to steals: he's grabbed at least two every time he's taken the court this season.
Having lost for the first time this season, Giltner fell to 4-1. As for High Plains, they now have a winning record of 3-2.
This contest is shaping up to be a blowout: High Plains hasn't had any problem running up the score this season, having averaged 61.4 points per game. It's a different story for Giltner, though, as they've been averaging only 39 points. The only thing between High Plains and another offensive beatdown is Giltner. Will they be able to keep them contained?
High Plains skirted past Giltner 54-51 in their previous matchup back in February. Will High Plains repeat their success, or does Giltner have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
