The Aquinas varsity basketball team (David City, NE) will host Grand Island Central Catholic (Grand Island, NE) in a non-conference game today at 7:30 p.m.

Matchup Information
Grand Island Central Catholic vs. Aquinas Basketball
Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Aquinas High School, David City, NE

• Live stream: Watch Here

Comparing the 2024-2025 Seasons: Grand Island Central Catholic vs. Aquinas

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, two teams are standing out in their respective classes: Grand Island Central Catholic (GICC) and Aquinas. Each team has seen success, though they differ significantly in their records and statistical performances. Let’s break down the season so far, highlighting both teams’ achievements and the key factors that have contributed to their success.

Overall Record Comparison

Grand Island Central Catholic (GICC) has had an impressive season with an 11-2 overall record, displaying a strong home court presence with a 7-2 home record and an undefeated 3-0 mark in away games. Their win percentage stands at a robust .846. On the other hand, Aquinas has a record of 8-5, which includes a 4-1 record at home and a 4-3 record away. Their overall win percentage is .615, showing a solid but less dominant performance compared to GICC.

Scoring and Team Play

GICC has been putting up significant points with a 57.6 average per game. Their scoring has been distributed across the quarters, averaging 13.3 points in the first, 16.6 in the second, 13.4 in the third, and 15.2 in the fourth. The team’s ability to stay consistent throughout the game, particularly in the second half, has been a key factor in their success.

Aquinas, while not as high-scoring as GICC, still puts up a respectable 49.6 points per game. Their scoring distribution is somewhat more balanced across the quarters, averaging 11.7 in the first, 14.5 in the second, 10.7 in the third, and 12.8 in the fourth. Although Aquinas’ scoring is slightly lower, they have shown resilience, particularly in the second quarter.

Statistical Leaders

Grand Island Central Catholic has seen strong individual performances, with Thomas Liban leading the team with 14.8 points per game. Other key players include Thomas Birch, who averages 6.4 rebounds per game, and Braylon Wolfe, who dishes out 3.5 assists per game. On the defensive side, Birch also leads with 2.7 steals per game, contributing to GICC’s defensive prowess.

Aquinas relies on Bryant Stouffer, who averages an impressive 19.4 points per game, and Marcus Krivanek, who grabs 9.4 rebounds per game. Stouffer’s offensive skills and Krivanek’s rebounding efforts are vital to the team’s success. Matthew Storm contributes defensively with 2.8 steals per game, making him a key part of the team’s defensive game plan.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

When comparing the two teams’ results against common opponents, Grand Island Central Catholic holds a 3-1 advantage over Aquinas, having won games against teams like Lincoln Lutheran, Scotus, and Lincoln Christian. The only common loss for GICC came at the hands of Lincoln Lutheran, with a 54-44 defeat. In contrast, Aquinas is 0-1 against common opponents, having lost to Lincoln Lutheran 64-37.

Other common opponents in their upcoming schedules include Scotus, Lincoln Christian, Kearney Catholic, and St. Cecilia, with both teams looking to capitalize on these matchups.

Team Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Grand Island Central Catholic has excelled offensively, scoring 57.6 points per game, and defensively, allowing only 569 points over 13 games. They have also shown a solid rebounding presence, averaging 23.9 rebounds per game, and leading in assists and steals.

Aquinas, while not as dominant in scoring, has demonstrated a strong defensive game, averaging 25.7 rebounds per game and performing well in close games. They will need to improve on consistency in scoring, as their points per game average falls short compared to their opponents.

Conclusion

In the 2024-2025 season, Grand Island Central Catholic has established itself as a formidable force with an 11-2 record, high scoring averages, and solid defensive stats. Aquinas, while having a respectable 8-5 record, will need to continue improving their offense to match their defensive strength. Both teams will face critical games ahead, with matchups against common opponents likely to play a significant role in their respective seasons. As they approach the latter part of the season, both teams are poised to make an impact in their district and beyond.