Scouting the Indians: After ending the 2021-22 season tied for third in the South Atlantic Conference, the Catawba Indians are off to an 8-1 start. That sole loss came in overtime to USC Aiken by one point, 68-67, on Nov. 30. Most recently, the Indians claimed a 15-point road victory over fellow SAC opponent the Coker Cobras, 70-55. On the court, Catawba is led by senior guard Lyrik Thorne, who averages 18.4 points per game and has started all nine of the team's games. Two other Indians, Sarah McIntosh and Janiya Downs, also average over 10 points per game, 12.4 and 11.9 respectively. McIntosh and Downs are also nine-game starters for the Indians. Catawba out scores their opponents by an average of 17 points and six of the team's eight wins have come by double digits.

Scouting the Wolves: The Wolves enter Saturday's game 4-5 coming off the heels of a 66-38 loss to the Anderson Trojans to open conference play on Wednesday, Dec. 7. Redshirt senior cent Ericka Wiseley (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.) and junior guard Payton Cronen (Louisville, Ky.) remain the team's top scorers, averaging 11.8 and 8.2 points per game respectively. Wiseley is also the team's top rebounder, averaging 5.9 rebounds per game. In Wednesday's loss to Anderson, Wiseley put up 16 points and led all players, on both teams, in scoring. Senior guard Holly Davies (Camberley, Surrey, England) put up eight points against the Trojans and was the team's second leading scoring. Davies and Wiseley both recorded five rebounds in Wednesday's action.

Promotion: The Newberry College basketball teams are hosting their annual holiday celebration game against Catawba on Dec. 10. Fans can bring an unwrapped toy and receive free admission to the games. Gifts will be sent to the Newberry Observer to support the Newberry Sheriff's Office Operation Santa Claus. The Wolves are also expecting a very special guest you won't want to miss at halftime of the men's game. Fans are encouraged to wear their festive Christmas and holiday sweaters to the games. For those who do not wish to donate a toy, tickets can be purchased at newberrywolves.com/tickets.