Pierz at Eden Valley-Watkins
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5

Pierz has had its share of highs and lows this season. In their best moments, the Pioneers proved they can defeat top teams like No. 5-2A Braham and St. Cloud Cathedral, as well as come close to pulling off upsets against Long Prairie-Grey Eagle and Maple Lake.

Pierz (10-10, 3-7) has had nearly as many lows, most notably a 75-54 defeat to Kimball on Dec. 9, and more recently a 66-61 loss to Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa on Jan. 30.

The Pioneers have a chance to ride high again when they go on the road to play Central Minnesota Conference foe Eden Valley-Watkins.

The Eagles open the week with an impressive 17-2 overall record, but are in a bit of a slump, losing two of their last four. As a result, Eden Valley-Watkins slid into second place in the league standings with an 8-2 mark, and the Eagles cannot afford another setback if they want to keep pace in the race for a conference title.

Junior guards Aaron Weber and Jonny Kasper combined to score 35 points in the Pioneers' loss to Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, and could be key against the Eagles.

Eden Valley-Watkins sophomore guard Jared Streit scored 24 points and junior guard Bret Mattice added 12 in the Eagles' 70-44 victory over Holdingford on Jan. 30.

Eden Valley-Watkins defeated Pierz 71-63 on Dec. 16.