Kennedy (9-5) takes on Linn-Mar (7-8) in another storied rivalry game between the two schools. This is their first meeting since Marcus Paige carried Linn-Mar to a double overtime victory over Kennedy is the final of last year’s substate, winning 83-77.

Kennedy has been reeling as of late. Kennedy has dropped two straight, a blowout loss to top ranked Iowa City West and humbling loss to Dubuque Hempstead at home. Senior post Ben Struss leads the Cougars in scoring as he averages just under nine points a game. Kennedy head coach Bob Fontana will be going for win number 300 in the game tonight.

Linn-Mar is coming off a 61-51 loss to Western Dubuque. Linn-Mar is having a down year since Marcus Paige left for the University of North Carolina. Paige carried the team to the state tournament last season and without him Linn-Mar has been looking for someone to fill his role. Jimmy Roth leads the Lions in scoring as he averages 12.2 points a game.

KEYS TO THE GAME: Kennedy will have to rebound after a demoralizing loss to Dubuque Hempstead. Kennedy post Ben Struss should have a size advantage down low. In order for Kennedy to win they will have to be able to contain Linn-Mar’s guards, Matt Lassen and Jimmy Roth. This game should be a good gauge on how Kennedy will do in substate as they will most likely be matched up with Western Dubuque and Linn-Mar already played them once this season.