The High Plains Storm will head out on the road to challenge the East Butler Tigers at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. High Plains has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.
Last Tuesday, High Plains was the victim of a tough 64-44 defeat at the hands of the Mustangs.
Peyton Hofmann was High Plains' leading scorer, having posted 14 points.
Meanwhile, East Butler's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Tuesday after their fifth straight loss. They were dealt a 77-35 loss at the hands of McCool Junction. While losing is never fun, East Butler can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska basketball rankings (they are ranked 233rd, while the Mustangs are ranked 41st).
Despite the defeat, East Butler saw an underclassman step up: Lillie Kriz scored 12 points along with seven steals and six rebounds. Kriz continues to roll, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played.
High Plains has not been sharp recently as the team's lost three of their last four matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 9-7 record this season. As for East Butler, their defeat was their third straight at home, which dropped their record down to 6-11.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: High Plains have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 26.4 rebounds per game. However, it's not like East Butler struggles in that department as they've been averaging 36.6 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
High Plains strolled past the Tigers in their previous meeting back in December of 2023 by a score of 46-32. Does High Plains have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Tigers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
