Harding County is 6-0 against Edgemont since December of 2017, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Saturday. The Harding County Ranchers will wrap up 2023 with a road trip to face off against the Edgemont Moguls at 4:30 p.m. Given that both teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this match.
Harding County unfortunately witnessed the end of their three-game winning streak on Thursday. They took a serious blow against Bowman County co-op [Bowman/Rhame], falling 80-34. The loss unfortunately continues a disappointing trend for Harding County in their matchups with Bowman County co-op [Bowman/Rhame]: they've now lost seven in a row.
The loss doesn't tell the whole story though, as several players had good games. One of the most active was Nayati Bickerdyke, who scored 14 points. Those 14 points set a new season-high mark for him. Another player making a difference was Payton Dvorak, who scored nine points along with five rebounds and four steals.
Meanwhile, this season hasn't been kind to Edgemont, who are still winless after their fourth game. They took a 42-36 hit to the loss column at the hands of Banner County. Edgemont found out winning isn't easy when you're outrebounded 18 to ten on offense.
Like Harding County, Edgemont lost despite seeing results from several players. Keaton Darrow led the charge by dropping a double-double on 11 points and 11 rebounds. Darrow also grabbed two+ steals for the first time this season. Cian Waite was another key contributor, scoring six points along with six rebounds and six blocks.
Even though they lost, Edgemont were smashing the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.
Harding County's defeat ended a nine-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 3-1. As for Edgemont, they bumped their record down to 0-4 with that defeat, which was their 11th straight on the road dating back to last season.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Harding County have been smashing the glass this season, having only averaged 35 rebounds per game. It's a different story for Edgemont, though, as they've been averaging only 22 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Everything came up roses for Harding County against Edgemont in their previous meeting back in December of 2022 as the squad secured a 85-18 victory. With Harding County ahead 54-14 at the half, the match was all but over already.
