Basketball Game Preview: Eastern Ramblers vs. McKinley Tech Trainers

The Eastern Ramblers are taking a road trip to take on the McKinley Tech Trainers at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Last Wednesday, Eastern took their game with ease, bagging a 65-6 victory over Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering. The Ramblers have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won eight contests by 23 points or more this season.

Eastern's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Madisyn Butts, who dropped a double-double on 18 points and ten steals. Butts' evening made it three games in a row in which she has scored at least ten points. Labrea Carter was another key player, going 7 for 10 on her way to 15 points in addition to six assists and five boards.

Eastern smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 20 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've posted since back in December of 2023.

Meanwhile, McKinley Tech faced Ballou in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Friday. McKinley Tech walked away with a 46-35 victory over Ballou.

Eastern's win was their 17th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 11-5. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 55.4 points per game. As for McKinley Tech, their victory ended a four-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 7-6.

Everything came up roses for Eastern against McKinley Tech when the teams last played back in February of 2024, as the squad secured a 57-5 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for Eastern since the team won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.