The first basketball game in 2019 will get the new year off to a winning start for either the Greene County or Saydel girls. The two teams are winless on the season and face each other on Friday night at Saydel High School on the northeast side of Des Moines.

A statistical look at the teams shows little difference. The Rams are 0-9 overall while the Eagles are 0-9. Both teams are 0-6 in Heart of Iowa Activities Conference play. Greene County averages 22 points per game and Saydel scores an average of 20 per contest. The overall field goal percentages are nearly even with the Rams at 19.7% and the Eagles at 19.5%. Greene County has an edge in three-point shooting at 21.3% to 12.7%, but the Eagles hold an advantage at the free throw line by a 49.6% to 42.4%.

The girls will be followed by the boys in this HOIAC basketball doubleheader. Coverage on KG98 and streamed on www.raccoonvalleyradio.com begins at 5:45 p.m. with the girls playing at 6 p.m. and the boys afterward.