MORGANTOWN — Rivalry games always add a little extra fuel to the fire, but Friday’s girls’ basketball matchup between cross-town rivals Morgantown and University has even more meaning. It seems fitting that Friday’s contest at UHS would tip off just days before Christmas, as neither team could ask for a better present than defeating their bitter rival.
The Mohigans (4-2) are looking to break a two-game losing skid and prove that they are still one of the top teams in the state and a serious title contender. The Hawks (4-1), meanwhile, have the chance to pick up another big win in the young season and show that they’re just as capable of being in that same conversation.
“We tell them that all the time, these are the games you want to play in,” UHS coach Nick Lusk said. “They know all these girls, they’ve played against them forever, so it’s always a good time when you play your cross-town rivals.”
University will be well-rested heading into Friday’s 7:30 p.m. tip, having not played in eight days. Well-rested, and confident, as the Hawks are coming off a 65-57 win against Wheeling Park, another state title contender, last Thursday.
“That was a big win for us and a big win for our program,” Lusk said. “They seem pretty loose, they’re playing pretty confident right now. I think they’re looking forward to (Friday’s game) and I think they’re excited about it.”
University’s strength this season comes from superior depth the Hawks use to wear down their opponents with up-tempo and disruptive defense. UHS is led offensively by Ella Simpson and Hannah Stemple. Simpson is averaging around 18 points per game with Stemple just a tick below that.
Morgantown, on the other hand, is looking to recover from back-to-back losses against Pittsburgh power South Fayette (58-31) and Wheeling Park (63-44).
“UHS will be very similar to (Wheeling Park), they will shoot it a lot and move the ball,” Goodwin said. “They’re going to press us also the same way they did against Park, who they beat. We have to be ready to move the ball better and be ready to play help defense better.”
MHS similarly plays tough defense with a pair of offensive standouts in Lily Jordan and Sofia Wassick. Jordan, the team’s center who isn’t afraid to step out and shoot a three, is coming off of 18- and 17-point performances in her last two outings, while Wassick joins her in averaging double figures each game.
“They’re good. They’re one of the top teams in the state year in and year out and this year’s no different,” Lusk said of MHS. “I feel like they have probably two of the best players in the state with Lily Jordan and Sofia Wassick. It’s going to be a challenge and we look forward to it.”
Tip-off from University High School is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday.
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