A loss in overtime to Northview last Friday put the Lady Rangers at 5-2 (0-1) on the season and left a bitter taste in their mouths. FHC will look to get back to their high-caliber play while on the hunt for their first conference win, as they host the 4-3 (1-1) Cedar Springs Red Hawks tomorrow night.

The Red Hawks struggled last season and went 6-15 while securing fifth place in the OK White with two of those losses coming from the Rangers; however, FHC only won by 5 points in both matchups. The stellar defensive effort allowed the Rangers to win the first matchup, while a career night from senior Claire Baguley with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals allowed the ladies to win the second time around. 

Cedar Springs returns nine players from last year’s squad, including four-year varsity player and Aquinas commit, Brighton Miller. While she is questionable to play in tomorrow’s game with an injury, this 5’4″ point guard is usually the main offensive threat for the Red Hawks, as she averaged 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 steals a game last season. Brighton is complemented by sophomores Avery Sparling and Kaelyn Colclasure, who are both excellent shooters and can lock down opponents on defense. FHC centers senior Kaitlyn Piontkowsky and freshman Remmie Ingraham will be challenged by Kaelyn and Cedar Springs senior Ashley Wise, who are both talented rebounders.

Last week, the Lady Rangers struggled against Northview’s zone defense and had an ice cold offensive performance. FHC has had a very inconsistent offense all season, but they will need to find a hot hand or two in order to put up the necessary points against a talented Cedar Springs team. FHC’s defense has been consistent the whole season at shutting down high-producing offenses, and another lockdown performance from the Rangers will be needed for this game.

These two teams are both equipped with young players who have a high level of basketball experience. If the Rangers can play to full potential, look for FHC to edge out the Red Hawks in a close one tomorrow night.