By Kendrick Jackson, Contributing Writer
The West Liberty-Jesuit rivalry returns to the hilltop this weekend in a highly anticipated matchup. After splitting two games last season, both clubs will look to get the first win in this year’s battle.
The Hilltoppers are coming off a tough 94-84 loss to Concord. WLU Senior Marissa Brown’s first career triple-double wasn’t enough to overcome the Mountain Lions. The win put Concord 12-3 for the season, as of Jan. 21.
In Head Coach Kyle Cooper’s second year at the helm, WLU is 9-7 and currently sit fourth in the Mountain East Conference, as of Jan. 21.
After averaging 24 points- and 11.2 rebounds-per-game during the 2017-2018 campaign, Hilltopper Forward Marissa Brown found a way to turn it up a notch during her senior year.
As of Jan. 21, Brown not only leads West Liberty in scoring and blocks, but also, the entire MEC Conference, averaging 26.7 points per game and 69 blocks for the season thus far. Brown ranks No. 1 for rebounding in Division II Women’s Basketball.
Trailing right behind Brown with 12.2 rebound per game is Wheeling Jesuit rival Chenelle Moore. The Senior forward also leads her team in scoring averaging 15.8 points per game.
However, Moore’s play has not translated to wins for the Wheeling Jesuit. In his first season as Head Coach of the Cardinals, Mike Llanas has a record of 3-13 and sits second-to-last in the conference, as of Jan. 21.
Wheeling Jesuit is currently on ten-game losing streak, haven’t won a game since Nov. 26. The Cardinals will look to last year’s win against WLU for inspiration this weekend. During that game, Wheeling Jesuit would hold West Liberty guard Brandi Beader to ten points.
For the last game of the 2017-2018 season, the Hilltoppers and Cardinals would face off one more time. However, Beader would get the upper hand, pouring in 28 points in the 83-75 win. Beader added nine rebounds and made three three-point field-goals.
Head Coach Kyle Cooper and company have played well at home, posting a 5-3 record with home court advantage. On top of ending their ten-game losing skid, the Cardinals will look for their first win on the road, as of Jan. 21.
Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. and you can check live stats of the game at Hilltopper Sports. For more game previews and recaps, make sure to pick up your copy of the Trumpet.
Photo Credit: Hilltoppersports.com
