The Armstrong Varsity Basketball Team (Kittanning, PA) will host a home conference game against Hampton (Allison Park, PA) on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Pennsylvania High School Basketball
Who: Armstrong vs Hampton
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

A Close Rivalry: Hampton vs. Armstrong Basketball Preview

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season heats up, fans are looking forward to a fierce matchup between the Hampton Talbots and the Armstrong River Hawks. The two teams will face off in a pivotal conference game on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Armstrong High School in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. This rivalry promises excitement, with both teams showcasing their unique strengths and weaknesses.

Season Overview

Heading into this matchup, Hampton holds a 4-6 overall record, including a 2-2 record in conference play. The Talbots have had their share of ups and downs this season, with a notable victory over Deer Lakes (61-54) and a dominant win against Highlands (65-30). However, they have also faced tough losses, including a 74-49 defeat to Plum and a 46-40 loss to Penn Hills.

Armstrong, on the other hand, has had a challenging season thus far, sitting at 4-7 overall and struggling in conference play with an 0-4 record. The River Hawks have been unable to secure a conference win but have had mixed results in non-conference games, including a 50-44 win over Kiski Area. Armstrong’s recent form has been inconsistent, with losses to teams like Deer Lakes (48-32) and Plum (47-41).

Team Statistics

When comparing the two teams statistically, Hampton holds a slight advantage in several key areas:

• Points Per Game (PPG): Hampton averages 52.6 points per game, while Armstrong scores an average of 47.6. Hampton has a more balanced offensive attack, consistently scoring across all four quarters, especially in the second half.
• Rebounds Per Game: Hampton averages 21.1 rebounds per game, led by standout player Jacob Szep, who also leads the team in points (12.8 PPG), steals (1.8), and rebounds (5.0). Armstrong struggles with rebounds, averaging just 17.1 per game, and relies on Jaydon Oliver for their shot-blocking defense.
• Assists Per Game: Hampton is the better team in distributing the ball, averaging 10.5 assists per game. Quinton Olsen leads the way with 3.4 assists per game. Armstrong, on the other hand, averages just 6.3 assists per game, with little playmaking outside of their starting players.
• Steals Per Game: Both teams are solid in defense, with Hampton averaging 6.6 steals per game, primarily driven by Szep’s performance. Armstrong averages 5.1 steals per game.
• Blocks Per Game: Armstrong has the advantage in blocking shots, with Oliver recording 0.3 blocks per game. Hampton, meanwhile, averages just 0.6 blocks per game.

Team Leaders

• Hampton:
  • Points Per Game: Jacob Szep (12.8)
  • Rebounds Per Game: Jacob Szep (5.0)
  • Assists Per Game: Quinton Olsen (3.4)
  • Steals Per Game: Jacob Szep (1.8)
  • Blocks Per Game: Jaydon Oliver (0.2)
• Armstrong:
  • Points Per Game: Caleb Martin (5.1)
  • Rebounds Per Game: Caleb Martin (2.7)
  • Assists Per Game: Noah Murphy (1.1)
  • Steals Per Game: Noah Murphy (0.9)
  • Blocks Per Game: Jaydon Oliver (0.3)

Head-to-Head Comparison

In their most recent encounters with common opponents, Hampton has had a significantly better record, going 4-2 compared to Armstrong’s 0-6. These results highlight the differing levels of success each team has had this season. Hampton has been more competitive against teams like Deer Lakes, Highlands, and Kiski Area, while Armstrong has struggled in head-to-head matchups.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming game on January 10 will be crucial for both teams, particularly for Armstrong, who is still searching for their first conference victory of the season. Hampton, coming off a tough loss to Penn Hills, will look to bounce back and build on their strong performances from earlier in the season.

Fans can also mark their calendars for the second matchup between these two teams on February 4, 2025, at Hampton High School, where the Talbots will look to extend their lead in this regional rivalry.

With strong individual performances expected, particularly from Hampton’s Jacob Szep, this matchup promises to be an exciting one. As the season progresses, both teams will be hoping to build momentum as they strive for playoff contention.