Basketball Game Preview: Hunter-Kinard-Tyler Trojans vs. Bethune-Bowman Mohawks

Hunter-Kinard-Tyler is 0-3 against Bethune-Bowman since December of 2014 but things could change on Friday. The two teams will round out the year against one another at at 6:00 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: both posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.

Bethune-Bowman is hoping to do what Allendale-Fairfax couldn't last Thursday: put an end to Hunter-Kinard-Tyler's winning streak, which now stands at three games. Hunter-Kinard-Tyler enjoyed a cozy 61-45 victory over Allendale-Fairfax. Given the Trojans' advantage in MaxPreps' South Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 125th, while the Tigers are ranked 273rd), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Hunter-Kinard-Tyler got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Xavier James out in front who dropped a double-double on 11 points and 11 boards. James is crushing it when it comes to rebounds: he's pulled down at least eight every time he's taken the court this season. Amen Darby was another key player, putting up 11 points and five rebounds.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Bethune-Bowman, who bounced back after a loss on the road two weeks ago. They came out on top against Marion by a score of 55-46 on Thursday.

Bethune-Bowman pushed their record up to 4-4 with the victory, which was their 13th straight at home dating back to last season. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 59.8 points per game. As for Hunter-Kinard-Tyler, their win bumped their record up to 5-1.

Hunter-Kinard-Tyler came up short against Bethune-Bowman in their previous matchup back in November of 2021, falling 63-54. Thankfully for Hunter-Kinard-Tyler, Jaylen Avinger (who went 7 of 15 on his way to 16 points along with seven steals and six boards) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.