Basketball Game Preview: Lincoln High Links vs. Lincoln North Star Navigators

Lincoln High hasn't had much luck against Lincoln North Star recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Lincoln High Links will be home for the holidays to greet the Lincoln North Star Navigators at 7:30 p.m.

Last Tuesday, Lincoln High was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 50-44 to Buena Vista.

Despite their defeat, Lincoln High saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Brady Nick, who went 7 of 11 on his way to 15 points along with five boards and three blocks, was perhaps the best of all. Nick's evening made it three games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Carson Salsman, who posted ten points.

Meanwhile, Lincoln North Star escaped with a win on Tuesday against Lincoln Northeast by the margin of a single free throw, 84-83. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Navigators.

Lincoln North Star found their leader in sophomore Jordan Castor, who went 12 of 24 on his way to 34 points in addition to eight boards and seven assists. Those 34 points gave Castor a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of William Schafer, who went 5 of 10 on his way to 13 points and seven rebounds.

Lincoln High now has a losing record at 2-3. As for Lincoln North Star, they now have a winning record of 2-1.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Lincoln High has crashing the boards this season, having averaged 27.4 boards per game. However, it's not like Lincoln North Star struggles in that department as they've been averaging 34 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Lincoln High came up short against Lincoln North Star when the teams last played back in January, falling 70-57. Can Lincoln High avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.