Basketball Game Preview: Indian Creek Timberwolves vs. Newark Norsemen

The Indian Creek Timberwolves will venture away from home to challenge the Newark Norsemen at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Indian Creek will be coming into the matchup with an undefeated record on the line.

Last Tuesday, Indian Creek didn't have too much breathing room in their contest against Illinois Math & Science Academy, but they still walked away with a 58-53 win. That's two games straight that the Timberwolves have won by exactly five points.

Indian Creek's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jason Brewer, who posted eight points along with eight assists and six boards. Brewer has been hot recently, having also posted two or more steals the last four times he's played. Everett Willis was another key player, going 5 for 9 on his way to 10 points in addition to five rebounds and three steals.

Meanwhile, Newark was able to grind out a solid win over Earlville on Tuesday, taking the game 59-52. That seven point margin sets a new team best for the Norsemen this season.

Indian Creek better keep an eye on Dylan Long. He was instrumental in Newark's win, going 10 of 20 on his way to 31 points along with six boards and four steals. That's the most steals Long has posted since back in January. The team also got some help courtesy of Cody Kulbartz, who posted nine points.

Indian Creek pushed their record up to 9-0 with the victory, which was their fourth straight on the road. As for Newark, the win got them back to even at 3-3.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Indian Creek has crashing the boards this season, having averaged 30.6 boards per game. However, it's not like Newark struggles in that department as they've been averaging 26.3 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Indian Creek came up short against Newark when the teams last played back in February, falling 45-36. Can Indian Creek avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.