The Balboa varsity basketball team from Clearwater, FL, will face off against 1 of 1 Academy from Indian Trail, NC, in a neutral tournament game today at 4:00 PM.

Matchup Details:

• Teams: Balboa vs. 1 of 1 Academy
• Date and Time: Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 4:00 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Event: Beach Ball Classic (Prep Bracket)
• Location: Myrtle Beach, SC

This game is part of the prestigious “Beach Ball Classic – Prep Bracket” tournament.

1 of 1 Academy Dominates as Balboa Struggles: A Statistical Breakdown of the 2024-25 Season

The 2024-25 season has showcased a stark contrast in performance between two teams, 1 of 1 Academy and Balboa, with one team cementing its dominance while the other struggles to find consistent footing. Let’s dive into the details of each team’s season so far and analyze the statistics, leaders, and trends that define their campaigns.

Rankings and Records

1 of 1 Academy has set the bar high this season, achieving an impressive 14-1 record with a win percentage of 93.3%. Their offensive firepower has resulted in 1,157 points scored while limiting opponents to 959 points, showcasing their balanced dominance on both ends of the floor.

Meanwhile, Balboa has had a challenging season, holding a 7-14 record with a win percentage of only 33.3%. Despite their struggles, they’ve managed to score 1,434 points, although defensive lapses have led to 1,525 points allowed, resulting in a negative point differential.

Scoring and Quarter Averages

1 of 1 Academy’s 77.1 points per game highlight their offensive efficiency. They maintain consistent scoring across all quarters, with their strongest performances coming in the second quarter (19.3 points).

Balboa, on the other hand, averages 68.3 points per game but shows inconsistencies. Notably, their first-quarter average of 75.0 points appears to reflect a data anomaly, with their remaining contributions significantly lower across other quarters and overtime.

Team Stat Comparison

In head-to-head statistical categories, 1 of 1 Academy leads across the board:

• Points Per Game: 60.7 vs. 54.7
• Rebounds Per Game: 26.7 vs. 22.7
• Assists Per Game: 13.8 vs. 11.7
• Steals Per Game: 8.5 vs. 6.4
• Blocks Per Game: 2.8 vs. 0.7

These numbers emphasize 1 of 1 Academy’s superior all-around play, particularly on the defensive end, where their edge in steals and blocks has been pivotal.

Team Leaders

Several standout players have been crucial for their respective teams:

1 of 1 Academy

• LJ Rush (#5): The engine of the offense, averaging 14.0 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.
• Gevonte Ware (#1): Dominates the boards with 10.3 rebounds per game.
• Bryson Cowan (#33): Protects the rim with 1.2 blocks per game.

Balboa

• Travis Musonda (#6): A steady scoring presence, averaging 12.4 points per game.
• BwaBwa Josue (#23): Leads the team with 6.8 rebounds per game.
• Apolo Caetano (#2): A versatile playmaker, contributing 6.3 assists and 2.4 steals per game.

While Balboa’s leaders have shown flashes of brilliance, their overall depth lags behind 1 of 1 Academy’s cohesive unit.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents, but the results reveal a stark disparity:

• 1 of 1 Academy holds a perfect 4-0 record against common opponents, consistently outperforming these teams.
• Balboa, by contrast, has struggled, going 0-3 against the same opponents.

Notable results include 1 of 1 Academy’s 87-68 victory over Varsity Opponent compared to Balboa’s 61-89 loss against the same team.

Record Breakdown

1 of 1 Academy’s dominance extends across all categories, whether playing at home (1-0), away (4-0), or at neutral venues (9-1). Their in-state (5-0) and out-of-state (6-1) records also reflect their adaptability.

Balboa’s inconsistency is evident in their non-league record (1-10) and neutral venue struggles (4-11). Despite a better district record (4-3), their performances outside the district leave much to be desired.

Takeaways

The 2024-25 season has highlighted 1 of 1 Academy as a powerhouse team with strong performances across all statistical categories. Their balanced roster, consistent scoring, and defensive prowess make them a formidable force.

For Balboa, the season has been a story of struggles and inconsistencies. While individual players like Travis Musonda and Apolo Caetano have excelled, the team must find a way to improve their defense and scoring depth to compete at a higher level.

As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on 1 of 1 Academy’s continued dominance and whether Balboa can turn their season around.