Basketball Game Preview: Cambria Heights Highlanders vs. Conemaugh Township Indians

The Cambria Heights Highlanders will take on the Conemaugh Township Indians at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

Last Tuesday, Cambria Heights came up short against River Valley and fell 47-35. The Highlanders haven't had much luck with the Panthers recently, as the team's come up short the last six times they've met.

Despite their loss, Cambria Heights saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Sienna Kirsch, who posted seven points along with seven boards and four steals, was perhaps the best of all. Kirsch is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last 14 games she's played dating back to last season. The team also got some help courtesy of Gracey Vinglish, who had 12 points.

Meanwhile, Conemaugh Township didn't have quite enough to beat Purchase Line on Tuesday and fell 38-36. The Indians have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Despite the defeat, Conemaugh Township saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Danika Black put up six points and 17 rebounds. Those 17 rebounds gave Black a new career-high. Mayce Kordell was another key player, putting up ten points and five steals.

Cambria Heights now has a losing record at 2-3. As for Conemaugh Township, they now also have a losing record at 2-3.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Cambria Heights has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 26.2 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Conemaugh Township struggles in that department as they've been averaging 30.6 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Cambria Heights beat Conemaugh Township 42-33 in their previous matchup back in February. Will Cambria Heights repeat their success, or does Conemaugh Township have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.