The Kent-Meridian varsity basketball team (Kent, WA) will play a home conference game against Auburn Mountainview (Auburn, WA) today at 7 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington High School Basketball
Who: Auburn Mountainview vs Kent-Meridian
When: Friday, January 24, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Auburn Mountainview vs Kent-Meridian
The Auburn Mountainview and Kent-Meridian high school basketball teams have had vastly different seasons so far in the 2024-2025 campaign. While Auburn Mountainview dominates its league with an undefeated record, Kent-Meridian is struggling to find consistency, with a record of 5-9.
Auburn Mountainview: The Unstoppable Force
Auburn Mountainview has been a powerhouse this season, boasting a perfect 16-0 record. With an undefeated 10-0 league performance, the team has proven to be the class of the district. Their offensive prowess is evident, averaging 76.7 points per game, led by standout player Sebastian Arius, who contributes an impressive 17.4 points per game.
The team’s balance is also apparent with solid rebounding (36.0 rebounds per game) and defense (16.4 steals per game). In fact, their performances have been dominant across all quarters, averaging over 20 points per quarter and controlling the pace throughout games. Auburn Mountainview’s victories have often been convincing, with the team winning by double digits in nearly every game.
Notable victories for Auburn Mountainview include a decisive 85-34 win against Kent-Meridian on December 12, 2024. In that game, they outclassed their opponents with a strong first half (43-22) and a scoring barrage in the third quarter (30 points). Their consistency and scoring depth make them a formidable force in their league.
Auburn Mountainview also has an impressive 9-0 record against common opponents. Games like their 96-69 win over Kentlake, an 80-51 win against White River, and a 74-64 victory over Federal Way further cement their dominance.
Kent-Meridian: A Struggle for Success
In contrast, Kent-Meridian has found the 2024-2025 season challenging, sitting at 5-9 overall with a 3-5 district record. Despite their struggles, Kent-Meridian has shown flashes of promise, especially in their 66-61 win over Decatur on January 21, 2025. However, inconsistency has been a major issue, with the team losing to tough opponents like Federal Way (80-27) and Auburn Mountainview (85-34).
Kent-Meridian averages just 50.1 points per game, significantly lower than Auburn Mountainview’s 76.7. Their offense has often struggled to keep up, with their highest-scoring quarters typically being the second or fourth (around 16 points). Defense has also been an area of concern, allowing over 900 points this season.
The team’s performance against common opponents has been mixed, with a 3-5 record compared to Auburn Mountainview’s flawless 9-0. Their most significant wins came against teams like Decatur and Kentlake, where they eked out hard-fought victories. However, their losses have been more frequent and lopsided, highlighting their ongoing battle to find a rhythm.
Head-to-Head: Auburn Mountainview Dominates
When Auburn Mountainview and Kent-Meridian met on December 12, 2024, Auburn Mountainview delivered a resounding statement with an 85-34 victory. The game saw Kent-Meridian struggling to keep pace, with Auburn Mountainview outscoring them by 51 points. This game was a clear example of the stark difference between the two teams this season. Auburn Mountainview’s high-scoring offense and defensive pressure were simply too much for Kent-Meridian.
Individual Standouts
Auburn Mountainview’s Sebastian Arius has been a key contributor, not only scoring but also on the boards, averaging 9.4 rebounds per game. His all-around game has been a cornerstone for his team’s success. Additionally, players like Kolven Posey (5.3 assists per game), Cody Bennion (3.8 steals per game), and Sudan Luok (2.0 blocks per game) add further depth to their already strong squad.
On Kent-Meridian’s side, there hasn’t been a standout scorer or playmaker. However, the team continues to rely on its efforts across multiple players to fill gaps, hoping for an emerging star to help propel them forward.
Looking Ahead: A Divided Future
Auburn Mountainview looks poised to continue its dominant season with hopes of an undefeated district record. Their next challenge comes on January 25, 2025, when they face Kent-Meridian again, this time on the road. Given their current form, Auburn Mountainview will likely enter the matchup as heavy favorites.
Kent-Meridian, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle for the rest of the season. Their struggles to close out games and find offensive consistency will need to be addressed if they hope to finish the season on a positive note. Their next game against Auburn Mountainview presents an opportunity for redemption, but it will require a monumental effort.
Conclusion
As the season progresses, the disparity between Auburn Mountainview and Kent-Meridian remains evident. Auburn Mountainview continues to show why they are one of the top teams in the district, while Kent-Meridian is still searching for answers. The remainder of the season will likely provide more insights into whether Kent-Meridian can recover and compete with the league’s top teams or if Auburn Mountainview will solidify its dominance with an undefeated campaign.
