Two dominant guards in AJ Brand and William Wilson are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Irmo Yellowjackets will head out on the road to take on the Richland Northeast Cavaliers at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Hopefully Irmo focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 14 on Tuesday.
Irmo had to endure a ten-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They came out on top against Lugoff-Elgin by a score of 49-39.
Irmo got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Matthew Hopkins out in front who scored 11 points. Another player making a difference was Jaden Henderson, who scored ten points along with five rebounds.
Richland Northeast posted their closest victory yet this season on Wednesday. They skirted past Lugoff-Elgin 51-49.
Jaylen Tillman was his usual excellent self, dropping a double-double on 24 points and 15 rebounds. He continues to roll, besting his previous point total in each of the last three games he's played. Wilson was another key contributor, scoring eight points along with 13 rebounds and two blocks.
Irmo's victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 4-16. Richland Northeast's record is now 12-8.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Irmo have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 25.6 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Richland Northeast struggles in that department as they've been averaging 28.1 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Irmo couldn't quite finish off Richland Northeast when the teams last played on January 5th and fell 47-45. Can Irmo avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
