The Anderson (IN) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Marion (IN) on Friday, January 31, at 7:30 PM.
Anderson vs Marion Game Info:
What: Indiana High School Basketball
Who: Anderson (IN) vs Marion (IN)
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Anderson vs Marion
As we dive deeper into the 2024-2025 basketball season, both Marion and Anderson have showcased their distinct strengths and challenges. While Marion holds a decent overall record, Anderson has proven to be a dominant force on the court, particularly in conference play.
Overall and Conference Performance
Marion’s overall record stands at 6-7, with a solid 2-1 conference performance. Their record reflects a tough schedule, including several losses on the road. In contrast, Anderson has been nothing short of impressive, maintaining a 13-1 overall record and a perfect 1-0 mark in the conference. The standout statistic for Anderson is their perfect record in neutral and away games, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and on the road.
Scoring Averages
In terms of scoring, Marion averages 66.1 points per game, with a balanced scoring spread across the quarters. Their highest-scoring quarter is the third, where they average 17.7 points. However, Anderson has the edge, averaging 71.7 points per game, with their fourth-quarter surge being particularly notable, as they score 43.8 points in that period alone. This explosive final-quarter performance indicates Anderson’s ability to close out games strong.
Team Statistics Comparison
Marion and Anderson are close in several key team statistics, with Anderson marginally outperforming Marion in most areas. Anderson averages 71.9 points per game, slightly ahead of Marion’s 67.5, while also pulling in 27.4 rebounds per game compared to Marion’s 25.0. Anderson also has the edge in assists (14.3 vs. 10.2) and blocks (4.9 vs. 2.5), highlighting their more aggressive and efficient play.
Key Players
Both teams feature standout individual performances, with Tim Jones leading Marion in points (18.9), rebounds (5.4), assists (3.1), steals (5.0), and blocks (0.6). Jones’ versatility makes him the centerpiece of Marion’s offense and defense. On the other hand, Anderson’s Damien King leads the team with 21.3 points per game and 7.0 rebounds, while Javon Warfield adds 4.7 assists and 3.1 steals, contributing to their all-around dominance. Anderson’s Titus Hunter also leads the team in blocks with 3.1 per game.
Common Opponents
Looking at common opponents between the two teams, both Marion and Anderson have faced similar competition with some notable differences in outcomes. Marion holds a 3-2 record against common opponents, while Anderson has performed better, going 4-1. Notable wins for both teams include victories against New Castle and Kokomo, with Marion winning 69-62 against New Castle and Anderson defeating the same team 73-29.
Head-to-Head Comparison
As of the latest data, neither team has yet faced each other head-to-head, but with both teams competing in the same conference, a matchup between these two high-powered squads is eagerly awaited. Their differing approaches—Marion’s balanced play versus Anderson’s strong finish to games—will certainly make for an exciting contest.
Breakdown of Home, Away, and Neutral Games
Marion’s performance at home is decent, with a 5-3 record, but their away performance has been a struggle, with a 1-4 record. Anderson, on the other hand, has been impressive at home (6-1), away (4-0), and neutral sites (3-0), further cementing their dominance this season.
Conclusion
Marion and Anderson may be on different trajectories this season, but both have showcased talent and resilience. Marion’s strong leadership from Tim Jones and their potential for balanced scoring could make them a formidable opponent in future matchups. Meanwhile, Anderson’s almost flawless record, particularly in conference play and their ability to close out games strong, positions them as one of the top teams to beat. With key games against common opponents still to come, it will be fascinating to watch both teams continue to evolve as the season progresses.
