The Providence Prep Rams will take on the Live Oak Classical Falcons at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday. Having both just faced considerable losses, both teams are looking to turn things around.
Providence Prep is probably headed into the game with a chip on their shoulder considering Hyde Park just ended the team's eight-game winning streak back in December of 2024. They lost 57-31 to the Panthers. The defensive woes were uncharacteristic for the Rams, who until this match were averaging 29.7 points allowed.
Providence Prep's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Sara Powitsky, who posted six points and eight rebounds, and Lilly Hodge, who earned four points and six rebounds.
Even though they lost, Providence Prep smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 11 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in 27 consecutive contests dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, Live Oak Classical suffered their biggest defeat since November 8, 2024 on Tuesday. They had to suffer through a 59-30 loss at the hands of First Baptist. The Falcons were down 49-22 at the end of the third quarter, and things only got worse from there.
Despite the loss, Live Oak Classical saw an underclassman step up: freshman Ashlyn Helton put up seven points along with ten boards and four steals. Those ten boards gave Helton a new career-high.
Live Oak Classical's defeat dropped their record down to 12-6. As for Providence Prep, their loss ended a five-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 8-2.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Providence Prep has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 38.6 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Live Oak Classical struggles in that department as they've been averaging 24.2 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Providence Prep was taken down by Live Oak Classical 51-23 when the teams last played back in December of 2023. Will Providence Prep have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other basketball content.
