The Balboa (Clearwater, FL) varsity basketball team will play a neutral-site tournament game against 1 of 1 Academy (Indian Trail, NC) today at 4:00 PM.

Matchup Information:

• Game: 11A vs. Balboa Basketball
• Date and Time: Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at 4:00 PM
• Event: Beach Ball Classic (Myrtle Beach, SC)
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Tournament: Beach Ball Classic – Prep Bracket

Basketball Showdown: 1 of 1 Academy vs. Balboa – A Comprehensive Breakdown

The 2024-2025 basketball season has seen intense competition, with standout teams emerging from across the nation. Among these, 1 of 1 Academy and Balboa have captured attention for their contrasting performances and styles. In this article, we’ll dive into the key stats, rankings, and records that define each team’s journey this season.

1 of 1 Academy (24-25): Dominance in the Spotlight

1 of 1 Academy, based in North Carolina (NC), has been nothing short of stellar this season, with an impressive 14-1 record. Their near-perfect performance showcases a team that has mastered the balance of offense and defense. The team’s consistency across various game types is evident, with a .933 win percentage that makes them a formidable force in the league.

Offensive Powerhouse

1 of 1 Academy has put up a total of 1,157 points, averaging 77.1 points per game. Their offensive strength is spread across four quarters, with an average of 17.5 points in Q1, 19.3 in Q2, 14.8 in Q3, and 16.5 in Q4. This balanced scoring attack makes them tough to defend against for any opponent.

Defensive Excellence

On the defensive end, 1 of 1 Academy also excels, allowing just 959 points overall. This results in an average of 60.7 points allowed per game, significantly lower than their opponents’ averages. The team’s defensive prowess is underscored by 8.5 steals per game and 2.8 blocks per game, with standout performances from players like LJ Rush, who averages 2.3 steals per game.

Key Players

• LJ Rush has been a standout, leading the team in both points (14.0 PPG) and assists (3.9 APG).
• Gevonte Ware dominates the boards, averaging 10.3 rebounds per game.

Balboa (24-25): Struggling for Consistency

Based in Florida (FL), Balboa has had a much tougher season, with a 7-14 overall record. Their struggles have been particularly evident in league play, where they hold a .333 win percentage. However, despite their challenges, Balboa has shown moments of resilience, especially in non-league matchups.

Offensive Woes

Balboa has been less potent on offense, with an average of just 54.7 points per game. Their scoring is notably inconsistent, with 75 points per game in Q1 but struggling to maintain that pace as the game progresses. This lack of sustained offense has been a key factor in their negative point differential, as they’ve allowed 1,525 points this season.

Defensive Struggles

Defensively, Balboa has allowed 1,525 points, resulting in an average of 68.3 points per game. Their inability to shut down opposing offenses has been a recurring issue, as reflected in their 6.4 steals per game and just 0.7 blocks per game.

Key Players

• Travis Musonda, averaging 12.4 points per game, has been a bright spot for the team, along with Apolo Caetano, who contributes significantly in assists (6.3 APG) and steals (2.4 SPG).

Head-to-Head: A Tale of Two Teams

The contrast between 1 of 1 Academy and Balboa is further evident when comparing their performances against common opponents. In their matchups, 1 of 1 Academy remains undefeated, boasting a 4-0 record against these teams, while Balboa has struggled with a 0-3 record.

Recent Showdowns

• 1 of 1 Academy beat Prince George’s Christian Academy on 12/27/24 with a 81-74 victory, continuing their winning streak.
• Balboa, on the other hand, lost to Prince George’s Christian Academy on 12/21/24 in a 68-65 defeat.

Record Breakdown: A Tale of Two Seasons

The contrast in performance is striking when looking at both teams’ records. 1 of 1 Academy dominates across all facets:

• Overall: 14-1 vs. Balboa’s 7-14
• Home: 1 of 1 Academy is perfect at 1-0, while Balboa stands at 2-1.
• Away: Both teams have had success, with 1 of 1 Academy at 4-0 and Balboa at 1-2.
• Neutral: 1 of 1 Academy is strong at 9-1, while Balboa has struggled with a 4-11 record.

Conclusion: The Path Ahead

While 1 of 1 Academy has proven itself to be a championship contender this season with a nearly flawless record, Balboa faces challenges as they look to rebound. 1 of 1 Academy’s balance in offense and defense, combined with key players like LJ Rush and Gevonte Ware, sets them apart as a team to watch for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Balboa’s efforts will need to focus on improving consistency, particularly in both scoring and defense, if they hope to turn their season around.

As both teams continue their journeys through the season, the stark contrast between their performances will be a story to follow.