The Linn Wildcats will play host again and welcome the St. Elizabeth Hornets, where tip off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Last Tuesday, Linn was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 62-57 to Russellville.
Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Craig Laughlin, who scored 11 points along with two steals. He is trending in the right direction, as he's improved his point production for three games straight. Another player making a difference was Austin Dudenhoeffer, who scored seven points along with six rebounds and five assists.
Meanwhile, St. Elizabeth came up short against South Callaway on Tuesday and fell 70-62. St. Elizabeth has now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Like St. Elizabeth, they lost despite seeing results from several players. Gavin Williams led the charge by scoring 16 points along with six rebounds and three steals. Williams has been hot recently, having posted two or more steals the last three times he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Isaac Green, who scored 15 points along with seven rebounds.
Linn's loss was their fifth straight at home, which dropped their record down to 9-13. As for St. Elizabeth, their defeat dropped their record down to 10-12.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Linn have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 24.7 rebounds per game. However, it's not like St. Elizabeth struggles in that department as they've been averaging 33.3 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Linn was able to grind out a solid victory over St. Elizabeth in their previous meeting back in February of 2023, winning 54-45. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was St. Elizabeth's Jace Kesel, who dropped a double-double on 13 points and ten rebounds. Now that he won't be playing on Friday, will it be that much easier for Linn to walk away with another win? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
