The Northeast Lauderdale Trojans will take on the Morton Panthers at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Northeast Lauderdale's defense has only allowed 28.6 points per game this season, so Morton's offense will have their work cut out for them.
Northeast Lauderdale is probably headed into the match with a chip on their shoulder considering Neshoba Central just ended the team's four-game winning streak on Tuesday. They lost to the Rockets at home by a 49-33 margin.
| 12/10/24 vs Neshoba Central | 3 |
| 12/06/24 vs Lake | 3 |
| 12/03/24 @ Newton | 3 |
| 11/30/24 vs Northeast Jones | 3 |
| 11/21/24 @ Pelahatchie | 3 |
| 11/19/24 @ Morton | 3 |
Despite their loss, Northeast Lauderdale saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Jalei Bolton, who dropped a double-double on ten points and 16 rebounds, was perhaps the best of all. Bolton has been hot, having also posted three or more steals the last six times she's played. Jordyn Vaughn was another key player, putting up seven points and three steals.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 57 points the game before, Morton was a bit more limited in their game on Friday. They came up short against Northwest Rankin, falling 43-23. The contest marked the Panthers' lowest-scoring matchup so far this season.
Northeast Lauderdale will have to keep a close watch on Nazrin Lyles and Mariona Boyd, a pair of players who had a big impact on Morton's prior game. Lyles posted eight points, while Boyd put up four points and seven rebounds.
Morton's defeat ended an eight-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 5-3. As for Northeast Lauderdale, their loss dropped their record down to 7-3.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Northeast Lauderdale has crashing the boards this season, having averaged 54.8 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Morton struggles in that department as they've been averaging 30.5 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Northeast Lauderdale lost to Morton at home by a decisive 43-27 margin in their previous matchup back in November. Will Northeast Lauderdale have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other basketball content.
