The Ambassador Christian School (Huntersville, NC) varsity basketball team will host a home non-conference game against Cardinal Newman (Columbia, SC) today at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Ambassador Christian School vs Cardinal Newman
When: Saturday, January 4, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Cardinal Newman vs. Ambassador Christian School: A Close Look at Their 2024-2025 Basketball Seasons

As we continue to track the performance of high school basketball teams, Cardinal Newman and Ambassador Christian School have emerged as notable competitors in the 2024-2025 season. Both teams are showing promise, with a mix of strengths and challenges shaping their seasons. Let’s dive into the stats, records, and performance comparisons between these two teams.

Cardinal Newman: A Strong but Balanced Team

With a 7-5 record overall, Cardinal Newman (South Carolina) has demonstrated a well-rounded performance across both home and away games. They’ve been strong on their home court with a 2-1 record but have faced tougher challenges on the road, compiling a 1-2 record. On neutral ground, they’ve performed better with a 4-2 record, giving them a solid overall win percentage of .583.

• Key Team Stats:
  • Points per Game (PPG): 57.0
  • Rebounds per Game (RPG): 30.5
  • Assists per Game (APG): 11.0
  • Steals per Game (SPG): 6.8
  • Blocks per Game (BPG): 3.5

Elton Smith Jr. leads the team with impressive averages of 18.2 PPG and 12.4 RPG, contributing significantly to the team’s offense and defense. His contributions are well complemented by Jason Rogers Jr., who adds 3.4 assists per game, and Nigel Chivers, who chips in with 2 steals per game.

Ambassador Christian School: A Dominant Force in the NC Rankings

Ambassador Christian School (North Carolina) has had a slightly stronger overall record, sitting at 8-4. Their performance has been particularly effective at home, where they boast an undefeated 3-0 record. Like Cardinal Newman, they have faced a few struggles on the road, with a 1-1 record, but they have maintained a solid 4-3 record in neutral games. Ambassador Christian School’s overall win percentage stands at .667, slightly higher than Cardinal Newman.

• Key Team Stats:
  • Points per Game (PPG): 63.2
  • Rebounds per Game (RPG): 20.6
  • Assists per Game (APG): 8.8
  • Steals per Game (SPG): 5.0
  • Blocks per Game (BPG): 4.0

The standout player for Ambassador Christian School is JD Bowden, who leads with 16.0 PPG and a remarkable 2.7 assists per game. He is supported by Logan Johnson, who averages 4.9 rebounds per game, and Jeremiah Franklin, who adds 1.9 blocks per game. This well-balanced contribution from multiple players makes Ambassador Christian School a formidable opponent.

Team Scoring Averages: A Stronger Offensive Performance for Ambassador Christian

When comparing the team scoring averages, Ambassador Christian School has a slight edge, averaging 63.2 PPG compared to Cardinal Newman’s 57.5 PPG. Ambassador Christian has been particularly strong in the first and second quarters, averaging 17.2 and 17.0 points, respectively. In comparison, Cardinal Newman has been more balanced, with an average of 14.0 points in both the first and third quarters.

While both teams remain consistent, the higher scoring potential of Ambassador Christian School may give them an edge in high-pressure situations.

Head-to-Head Comparison: A Close Rivalry

Both teams have faced each other’s common opponents, with similar results. Both teams lost to Blue Ridge in separate matchups, Cardinal Newman falling 61-42, and Ambassador Christian losing 71-63. This suggests that while both teams have faced similar challenges, they remain competitive when playing against teams of comparable strength.

Conclusion: A Season to Watch

Both Cardinal Newman and Ambassador Christian School have shown great promise in the 2024-2025 basketball season. Cardinal Newman boasts a strong defense and solid rebounding, with Elton Smith Jr. leading the charge. On the other hand, Ambassador Christian School stands out with their offensive efficiency and depth, with JD Bowden emerging as a standout player.

As both teams continue to grow and adapt to the challenges of their respective leagues, fans can expect exciting matchups as the season progresses. With both teams showcasing strong potential, this season could be one of the most competitive yet in their recent histories.