The Bell varsity basketball team (Washington, DC) will host a conference game against Ballou (Washington, DC) on Friday, January 17, at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington, DC High School Basketball
Who: Ballou vs Bell
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Ballou vs Bell

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, two Washington, DC teams, Ballou and Bell, have taken different paths. With Ballou maintaining a competitive record and Bell struggling to find momentum, their respective performances highlight the challenges and triumphs of the season.

Ballou Knights: A Strong Contender

Ballou has established itself as a solid contender this season with a 9-6 overall record and a 5-4 league record. The team has been particularly strong at home, securing six victories in nine home games. Their offensive output averages 49.4 points per game, and they have outscored opponents with a total of 741 points to 676 points allowed.

Key player Antonio King (#2) has been the standout performer, leading the team with an impressive 14.5 points per game. He also tops the charts in assists (3.0 per game) and steals (2.8 per game), showcasing his all-around game. Another vital contributor, Ryheem Benton (#15), has been dominant on the boards, averaging 9.6 rebounds per game.

While Ballou has recorded important victories against teams like Anacostia (52-23), Ron Brown (53-39), and Banneker (60-55), they have also suffered defeats against tough opponents like Jackson-Reed (63-32) and Dunbar (59-50). Their ability to bounce back from losses will be crucial as they push for a playoff spot.

Bell Griffins: A Struggling Season

On the other hand, Bell has faced significant struggles, posting a 3-10 overall record with a 3-5 league record. Their offense has been a major concern, averaging only 30.2 points per game, while allowing 844 points to opponents, leading to an overall -452 point differential.

Despite their difficulties, Bell has seen standout performances from Kwali Moorer (#1), who leads the team in points per game (9.5) and assists (3.5 per game). Cire Wilson (#3) has been a force on the boards, averaging 15.9 rebounds per game, significantly higher than Ballou’s top rebounder.

The team’s only notable victory came against Anacostia (60-59). However, heavy losses to Jackson-Reed (90-11) and McKinley Tech (78-35) reflect the challenges they’ve faced this season.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Ballou and Bell have not yet faced each other this season, but their performances against common opponents tell a significant story. Ballou holds a 6-4 record against shared competitors, while Bell has struggled with a 1-9 record. Notable comparisons include:

• Ballou defeated Anacostia (52-23), while Bell narrowly won (60-59).
• Ballou lost to Jackson-Reed (63-32), while Bell suffered a more lopsided defeat (90-11).
• Ballou handled Woodson (60-33), whereas Bell lost decisively (72-26).

Looking Ahead

With several games left in the season, Ballou will aim to solidify its playoff position, while Bell will look to turn things around and finish strong. Key matchups, including Ballou’s upcoming clashes against Roosevelt and Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering, will test their resilience. Meanwhile, Bell faces crucial games against School Without Walls and Cardozo, which could be opportunities to build confidence and momentum.

As the season unfolds, these teams will continue to shape their legacies in Washington, DC high school basketball. For Ballou, the goal is to maintain consistency and push for a higher playoff seed. For Bell, it’s about regrouping and finding ways to compete at a higher level.