As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, two teams in Arizona’s Division 18 are making waves: Paradise Honors and ALA – Gilbert North. Their records and statistics tell contrasting stories, but their upcoming matchups will be a defining moment for both teams.

Paradise Honors: Dominating the Court

With an impressive 8-1 record, Paradise Honors has proven to be a powerhouse on both offense and defense. The team has an outstanding win percentage of .889, having performed strongly at home (3-0), on the road (2-0), and on neutral courts (3-1). Their scoring game is nothing short of explosive, averaging 60.1 points per game, with a solid balance across all quarters: 16.0 points in the first, 8.0 in the second, 13.0 in the third, and 10.0 in the fourth. Their aggressive play style and high scoring can be credited to the stellar performances of Morgan Van Dyke, who leads the team in points (15.2), assists (3.6), and steals (6.3).

ALA – Gilbert North: Struggling for Consistency

In stark contrast, ALA – Gilbert North holds a 2-7 record, marking a challenging season. Their win percentage stands at .222, with a lackluster performance at home (0-3) and away (0-3), but they’ve had some success on neutral courts, winning 2 of 3. The team averages only 33.8 points per game, significantly lower than Paradise Honors. Their offensive output shows some improvement in the first quarter (9.8 points) but drops throughout the rest of the game, with the lowest scoring average in the fourth quarter at 6.6 points.

Despite struggles, ALA – Gilbert North has some key players, including Jacqueline Stanfield, who leads in points per game (7.7), and Saige Barney, who leads in rebounds (6.5). However, the team will need significant improvements to compete at a higher level, especially against stronger opponents like Paradise Honors.

Statistical Breakdown: Paradise Honors’ Edge

Comparing the two teams’ statistics reveals Paradise Honors’ clear dominance in virtually every aspect of the game:

• Points Per Game: Paradise Honors averages 60.1 points, far outpacing ALA – Gilbert North’s 33.8.
• Rebounds: Paradise Honors holds a strong 29.7 rebounds per game, compared to ALA – Gilbert North’s 22.4.
• Assists: Paradise Honors also leads in assists (10.4) versus ALA – Gilbert North’s 7.1.
• Steals: Paradise Honors is more aggressive on defense, recording 21.7 steals per game, while ALA – Gilbert North averages 5.6.
• Blocks: Paradise Honors edges out ALA – Gilbert North in blocks with 2.6 compared to 1.7.

Team Leaders: Star Players

The standout player for Paradise Honors is Morgan Van Dyke, who leads in multiple categories, including points (15.2), assists (3.6), and steals (6.3). Star Nwabichie contributes on defense with 1.6 blocks per game. Meanwhile, ALA – Gilbert North relies on Jacqueline Stanfield for scoring (7.7 points) and leadership on the floor, while Saige Barney remains a key figure in rebounding (6.5).

Common Opponents and Outlook

Both teams have yet to face common opponents head-to-head, but they will meet teams such as ALA – Queen Creek in upcoming games. Paradise Honors is the clear favorite in any matchups based on their record and performance statistics.

Conclusion

While Paradise Honors has emerged as a dominant force this season, ALA – Gilbert North faces significant challenges in their quest for success. The stark contrast in their performance records and statistics highlights the gap in their current standings, but every game provides an opportunity for growth and improvement. As both teams prepare for their remaining matches, Paradise Honors will look to maintain their momentum, while ALA – Gilbert North will aim for improvement and consistency to salvage their season.