Basketball Game Preview: Payson Lions vs. Cedar Reds

The Payson Lions will take on the Cedar Reds at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Payson will be looking to extend their current three-game winning streak.

Payson is headed into the game after thoroughly thrashing Pleasant Grove: they outscored them in every quarter. Payson enjoyed a cozy 46-27 victory over Pleasant Grove last Wednesday.

Payson's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Emmy Hales, who almost dropped a double-double on nine points and 12 rebounds. Hales is also crushing it when it comes to steals: she's grabbed at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Avery Roundy was another key player, putting up eight points and three steals.

Meanwhile, Cedar was able to grind out a solid victory over Mountain Crest on Thursday, taking the game 60-47. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Reds.

Payson pushed their record up to 3-0 with the win, which was their seventh straight on the road dating back to last season. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 55.3 points per game. As for Cedar, they now have a winning record of 4-3.

Payson came up short against Cedar in their previous matchup back in December of 2023, falling 44-36. Can Payson avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.