Basketball Recap: Hickory Ridge Takes a Loss

If Hickory Ridge was riding high fresh off their 77-40 takedown of Cox Mill last Tuesday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Hickory Ridge Ragin' Bulls took a 68-56 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Lake Norman Wildcats on Friday. While losing is never fun, the Ragin' Bulls can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 65th, while the Wildcats are ranked tenth).

Ma-Kaela Gidney

Steals

02/21/25 @ Lake Norman	5
02/18/25 @ Cox Mill	6
02/17/25 vs A.L. Brown	2
02/14/25 vs West Cabarrus	4
02/11/25 @ Cox Mill	6

Despite the loss, Hickory Ridge still got an impressive performance from Ma-Kaela Gidney, who to rack up 22 points and five steals. Gidney is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in each of the last five games she's played. Miranda Duley was another key player, putting up six points and 13 boards.

Even though they lost, Hickory Ridge smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in 19 consecutive contests.

Lake Norman's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Rayana Minard led the charge by on her way to 24 points. Minard continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last five games she's played. Another player making a difference was Alexis Shehan, who dropped a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds.

Hickory Ridge's record now sits at 19-8. As for Lake Norman, they pushed their record up to 24-1 with the victory, which was their 14th straight at home.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Hickory Ridge will take on Ragsdale at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. One thing working in Hickory Ridge's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last five matchups. As for Lake Norman, they will challenge Cox Mill at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. One thing working in Lake Norman's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last 16 games.