Two dominant players in Layni Noonkester and Kindle Rowe are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Spanish Springs Cougars will head out on the road to take on the Reno Huskies at 5:15 p.m. on Friday. Hopefully Spanish Springs focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 12 on Tuesday.
Last Tuesday, Spanish Springs faced Damonte Ranch in a battle between two of the state's top teams. Spanish Springs fell to Damonte Ranch 48-43. Spanish Springs found out winning isn't easy when you don't work as a unit and rack up nine fewer assists than your opponent.
Spanish Springs' loss came about despite a quality game from Noonkester, who scored 13 points along with three steals. Another player making a difference was Addison Bowers, who scored eight points along with two steals.
Meanwhile, Reno had to endure a three-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 49-46 victory over Galena on Tuesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory Reno has posted yet this season.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Reno to victory, but perhaps none more so than Yolanda Reyes, who scored ten points along with five rebounds and two steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Rowe, who dropped a double-double on ten points and ten rebounds.
Spanish Springs' loss dropped their record down to 10-9. As for Reno, they now have a winning record of 9-8.
Friday's match is shaping up to be a scrappy contest: Spanish Springs have been smashing the glass this season, having only averaged 27.5 rebounds per game. It's a different story for Reno, though, as they've been averaging only 31.5 rebounds per game. Given Spanish Springs' sizeable advantage in that area, Reno will need to find a way to close that gap.
Everything came up roses for Spanish Springs against Reno when the teams last played back in December of 2023 as the squad secured a 66-30 victory. With Spanish Springs ahead 46-14 at the half, the matchup was all but over already.
