Basketball Game Preview: Arickaree Bison vs. Hi-Plains Patriots

The Arickaree Bison will challenge the Hi-Plains Patriots at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Hi-Plains took a loss in their last game and will be looking to turn the tables on Arickaree, who comes in off a win.

Arickaree is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They simply couldn't be stopped on Wednesday as they easily beat Peetz 51-12. The win was some much needed relief for the Bison as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.

Arickaree had a senior duo take command as Raeya Schrock posted 14 points along with five assists and five rebounds and Ja'Niya Smith earned 15 points in addition to seven boards and six steals. Schrock is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last 12 games she's played dating back to last season. Paytin Villarreal was another key player, putting up six points and five steals.

Arickaree smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, Hi-Plains suffered their biggest defeat since March 2, 2024 on Saturday. They came up short against Idalia, falling 49-28. The Patriots haven't had much luck with the Wolves recently, as the team's come up short the last five times they've met.

Despite the loss, Hi-Plains saw an underclassman step up: freshman Cambria Seaman had nine points and five steals.

Hi-Plains' defeat dropped their record down to 5-4. As for Arickaree, their victory bumped their record up to 3-5.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Arickaree has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 21.8 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Hi-Plains struggles in that department as they've been averaging 26.7 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Arickaree beat Hi-Plains 42-33 in their previous meeting back in January of 2024. Does Arickaree have another victory up their sleeve, or will Hi-Plains turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.