Bolton hasn't had much luck against Fayette Ware recently, but that could start to change on Friday. We've got a battle between Wildcats coming up. One thing working in Bolton's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last five games.
Last Tuesday, Bolton was just a bucket shy of victory and fell 73-72 to Haywood. While losing is never fun, the Wildcats can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Tennessee basketball rankings (they are ranked 211th, while the Tomcats are ranked 92nd).
Kylan Collins
| 02/11/25 vs Haywood | 8 |
| 01/31/25 vs Fayette Ware | 5 |
| 01/28/25 @ Haywood | 4 |
| 01/21/25 @ Fayette Ware | 4 |
| 01/16/25 vs Memphis Home Education Association | 3 |
| + 18 more games |
Despite their loss, Bolton saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Kylan Collins, who went 5-for-9 on his way to 13 points in addition to eight steals and six assists, was perhaps the best of all. Collins is crushing it when it comes to steals: he's grabbed at least two every time he's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of E'Darian Washington, who went 6-for-12 to rack up 18 points.
Meanwhile, Fayette Ware came tearing into Saturday's contest with 12 straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 16.8 points), and they left with even more momentum. They came out on top against Memphis Home Education Association by a score of 63-53.
Bolton better focus on containing Tacarien Freeman and Tarecous Stevens as the pair were huge in Fayette Ware's win. Freeman posted 25 points along with six boards and five assists, while Stevens dropped a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. What's more, Stevens also posted three steals, the most he's had since back in December of 2024. Kylon Terry was another key player, putting up eight points and six rebounds.
Fayette Ware smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 14 offensive rebounds in seven consecutive matchups.
Fayette Ware's victory was their 11th straight at home, which pushed their record up to 21-5. Those victories came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 67.0 points over those games. As for Bolton, their defeat dropped their record down to 10-15.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Bolton has been crashing the boards this season, having averaged 22.3 boards per game. However, it's not like Fayette Ware struggles in that department as they've been averaging 32.8 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Bolton couldn't quite finish off Fayette Ware when the teams last played back in January and fell 73-70. Can Bolton avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
