The Dunbar (Washington, DC) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Ballou (Washington, DC) on Friday, December 20, at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington, DC High School Basketball
Who: Ballou vs Dunbar
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Ballou vs Dunbar

As the 2024-2025 Washington D.C. high school basketball season heats up, two schools, Ballou and Dunbar, are making waves in the local basketball scene. The season’s early records show stark contrasts in performance, but both teams are striving to make a significant impact in the league.

Ballou’s Strong Start

Ballou’s boys’ basketball team has shown impressive form in the early stages of the season. With a 6-1 overall record, the team is off to a blazing start, particularly in league play where they have posted a 3-1 record. The team has demonstrated solid all-around performance, both at home and on the road. With a win percentage of .857 and a league win percentage of .750, Ballou has positioned itself as one of the top contenders in the D.C. area.

A key factor in Ballou’s success has been its scoring consistency. Averaging 46.4 points per game, Ballou’s offense has been effective in a variety of situations. While specific quarter-by-quarter breakdowns aren’t available, it’s clear that the team has maintained offensive pressure throughout their games, including notable wins over Ron Brown (53-39) and School Without Walls (51-33). Their only loss so far was a tough 63-32 defeat against Jackson-Reed, but the team has bounced back impressively.

Dunbar’s Rocky Start

On the other hand, Dunbar has faced challenges early in the season. With a 1-2 overall record and a .333 win percentage, the team is struggling to find its rhythm. However, they have shown some promise in their league play, holding a 1-1 record. A notable victory for Dunbar was their 64-42 win over Ron Brown on December 9, 2024.

Dunbar’s offense has been inconsistent, averaging 46.3 points per game, with a noticeable drop-off in the fourth quarter. The team is averaging just 4.0 points in the final period, which has been a factor in their losses. Despite these challenges, Dunbar remains a competitive team, and their potential for growth is evident.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

One of the interesting aspects of these two teams’ early season schedules is their shared opponents. Both teams faced Ron Brown, with Ballou securing a 53-39 win and Dunbar coming out on top 64-42. Ballou also played against Jackson-Reed, suffering a tough loss, while Dunbar still has that matchup ahead of them.

Looking ahead, both teams will face a number of common opponents, including School Without Walls, Roosevelt, McKinley Tech, and Banneker. These games will provide further insights into how each team stacks up in the league and whether Dunbar can turn its season around.

Record Breakdown and Future Prospects

• Ballou (6-1): Ballou has dominated at home with a 5-1 record, while they remain perfect on the road with a 1-0 record. Their non-league success, sitting at 3-0, is a strong indicator that they can compete with teams outside their league as well. With a solid playoff record and in-state performance, Ballou is a team to watch in the upcoming months.
• Dunbar (1-2): Dunbar’s league play record of 1-1 suggests that they can hold their own within the league, but their overall struggles—especially in non-league games with a 0-1 record—have held them back. A 0-2 road record highlights some difficulties on the road, but with more home games coming up, they may have a chance to improve their fortunes.

The Road Ahead

For both teams, the remainder of the season presents opportunities for growth and redemption. Ballou will look to continue its dominant performances, especially against common opponents. Dunbar, while facing a rocky start, has the potential to bounce back with more consistency in both offense and defense.

As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will keep an eye on these two schools, especially in their head-to-head matchups and games against shared rivals. The final stretch of the season will determine if Ballou can maintain its early success and if Dunbar can regain its competitive edge in the league.

In conclusion, while Ballou has emerged as an early favorite, Dunbar’s journey is far from over. With key games coming up, both teams will have plenty of chances to shape their seasons and leave their mark on the 2024-2025 Washington D.C. high school basketball scene.