Kenosha, Wis. - The Parkside Rangers, fresh off a weekend sweep, will look to make it a streak this weekend at home. Parkside will begin the weekend with an opportunity for revenge, as they will share the court with the Davenport Panthers Thursday night at 5:30 PM. The weekend concludes on Saturday against the top dogs in the nation, No. 1 Grand Valley State, with tip slated for 1:00 PM.
Last weekend for the Rangers:
Parkside was faced with a tough challenge last weekend—a split-site weekend—beginning in downtown Chicago on Thursday night and then a home game in Kenosha on Saturday. Parkside attacked their first obstacle head-on and defeated Roosevelt 72-62. Parkside was led by their senior guard Sheridan Flauger, who not only played a game-high 38 minutes but also led the game in scoring with 20 points. Flauger lit up the stat sheet, logging eight rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and a steal. As a team, Parkside shot over 50% in both the second and third quarters, which helped lead the group to victory. It wasn't an easy battle, as the physicality grew and Roosevelt kept chipping away, but in the end, Parkside got the job done.
The Rangers continued their momentum into Saturday and proved to be unfazed by the quick turnaround at home. Parkside was shot out of a cannon, shooting 53% in the first quarter and 67% in the second. Four players finished in double figures for Parkside, including Mrs. De Simone Arena, also known as Chloe Van Zeeland. Van Zeeland finished with 18 points and is averaging 17.5 in home games. In addition to Van Zeeland's dominance, Parkside's leading scorer, Cassidy Arni, registered 16 points on an efficient eight-of-eleven shooting. Parkside finished the game shooting 53% from the field, the fourth time they have shot over 50% in a game this season.
After the weekend of victories, Parkside improved to 14-7 overall and 9-5 in conference play. As it stands today, Parkside sits in a tie for fourth place in the conference, with six games left in the season.
FULL GAME NOTES HERE
Scouting Davenport:
The Panthers of Davenport enter the weekend in the fight for one of the final GLIAC postseason spots. They are currently 3-11 in GLIAC play and are three games back from the eighth and final spot. However, one of their three victories in conference play came against Parkside back on January 25th. In fact, that victory was the program's first-ever victory over Parkside, and they will have the opportunity for a season sweep this Thursday night. Davenport was excellent in the win, holding Parkside to just 51 points in Grand Rapids. Ellie Toney, Davenport's leading scorer, led the squad with a game-high 15 points. Toney has been very familiar with big games this season, as she has notched ten games in double figures.
Scouting No. 1 GVSU:
Yes, you read that correctly—the Grand Valley State Lakers are the top team in the nation and have been for most of the season. After a disappointing loss in the Sweet 16 last season, the Lakers have not lost a Division II game since, with their only loss of the season coming to Ohio State (Big Ten). In conference play, the Lakers have a ridiculous +480 point differential, and their closest game was a 10-point margin. In their game against Parkside in January, they dominated, winning comfortably 72-43. They have been nothing short of a juggernaut this season.
Despite having the reigning GLIAC Player of the Year, Rylie Bisballe, the Lakers run a very deep lineup. Eleven players average 10 or more minutes per night. In addition to that, eight players average five or more points per game. MacKenzie Bisballe and Nicole Kamin are names to highlight, as both average more than nine points per game.
History:
As mentioned prior, Davenport earned their first-ever victory over Parkside in their most recent matchup. But overall, Parkside is 10-1 against the program and will look to get back into the win column on Thursday night. On the other hand, Grand Valley State leads the all-time series over Parkside 22-4. The Lakers have won eight straight since 2021.
