Basketball Game Preview: Maywood/Hayes Center Wolves vs. Hershey Panthers

The Maywood/Hayes Center Wolves will face off against the Hershey Panthers at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Maywood/Hayes Center is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 57.4 points per game this season.

Maywood/Hayes Center took a loss when they played away from home on Saturday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Monday. They were the clear victor by a 61-37 margin over Mullen. The Wolves have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 16 matches by 23 points or more this season.

Caylie Softley and Karissa Stengel were among the main playmakers for Maywood/Hayes Center as the former went 11 for 18 on her way to 25 points and five boards and the latter went 7 of 8 en route to 19 points in addition to eight assists and six steals. Stengel is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last four games she's played. Blayklee Farr was another key player, putting up six points.

They weren't the only one working in the assists department: Maywood/Hayes Center was working as a unit and finished the game with 18 assists. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Mullen only racked up eight assists.

Meanwhile, Hershey suffered their biggest defeat since December 20, 2024 on Tuesday. They lost 62-39 to Kearney Catholic. The Panthers were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 28-5.

Maywood/Hayes Center's victory was their 15th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 18-3. Those victories came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 27.5 points per game. As for Hershey, they have traveled a rocky road recently having lost four of their last five contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 10-8 record this season.

Maywood/Hayes Center didn't have too much breathing room in their game against Hershey in their previous meeting back in February of 2024, but they still walked away with a 56-50 win. Does Maywood/Hayes Center have another victory up their sleeve, or will Hershey turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.