The Eastern (Washington, DC) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Banneker (Washington, DC) on Friday, January 17, at 7:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

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

Game Preview: Banneker vs Eastern

As the 2024-25 high school basketball season progresses in Washington, DC, two teams in particular are making waves: Banneker and Eastern. Both have displayed impressive performances in their respective leagues, and their head-to-head record and common opponents provide a fascinating glimpse into the competition at the city’s top high school basketball programs.

Banneker’s Strong Start

With a 7-4 overall record, Banneker has been a force to reckon with in DC Division basketball this season. Their 6-2 league record showcases their dominance in the local competition, particularly in home games where they have posted a perfect 4-0 record. Banneker’s defense has been a key factor in their success, with the team allowing an average of just 51.9 points per game. Offensively, Banneker has been scoring an average of 61.8 points per game, with strong performances across all quarters, especially in the first and third (18.0 and 17.6 points per quarter, respectively).

Top scorer Jason Afeni has been a standout for the team, averaging 12.4 points per game. Mekhi Young is another crucial contributor, leading the team in rebounds with 4.0 per game, while Antonio Reed Jr. has proven valuable with 2.3 assists per game.

Banneker’s common opponent record stands at 7-2, having defeated teams like Friendship Collegiate Academy (64-32), Anacostia (71-35), and Woodson (72-44). Their most recent games have seen them battle through close contests, including a thrilling 59-53 win over School Without Walls on January 15, 2025.

Eastern’s Resilience

Eastern, with an 8-5 overall record, has also shown considerable promise this season. They are currently 5-3 in league play and have excelled in home games, boasting a 4-0 record at their own gym. Eastern has averaged 59 points per game, though their scoring typically peaks in the second and third quarters, averaging 16.0 and 17.0 points per quarter, respectively. However, their final quarter has been their weakest, averaging just 6.0 points.

Rashid Faruq has been the team’s leading scorer, averaging 20.0 points per game, a figure that is among the highest in the league. The team also benefits from strong defense, with standout performances in key wins against rivals like Friendship Collegiate Academy (83-31) and Ballou (62-37). Despite some struggles, such as a 73-52 loss to Roosevelt on January 15, Eastern’s consistency has been evident, especially in their 4-0 home record.

Eastern’s common opponent record stands at 6-3. They’ve had notable victories, including a 58-40 win over Anacostia and an 81-47 triumph over Ron Brown. Their games, such as the matchup against School Without Walls on December 20, 2024, have demonstrated their offensive depth and ability to handle different styles of play.

Team Comparisons: Scoring & Key Players

When comparing the two teams, Banneker leads in points per game (62.7 compared to Eastern’s 59.0). Both teams have similar scoring patterns, with Banneker typically excelling in the first and third quarters, while Eastern has stronger second-quarter performances. Banneker’s defense has also been slightly more formidable, with fewer points allowed per game than Eastern (571 vs. 673).

In terms of individual statistics, Banneker’s Jason Afeni leads his team in scoring, while Eastern’s Rashid Faruq dominates as one of the top scorers in the city. Banneker has a more balanced contribution from players like Mekhi Young, who leads in rebounds and steals, while Eastern looks to Faruq as their focal point.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Though the two teams have yet to face each other this season, their performances against common opponents offer a glimpse of how they might match up. Both teams have had success against schools like Friendship Collegiate Academy, Anacostia, and Woodson. Banneker boasts a 7-2 record against common opponents, while Eastern follows closely behind at 6-3. This similarity in performance against shared teams builds anticipation for their eventual meeting on the court.

Looking Ahead

As the season continues, both teams are primed for exciting matchups, especially as they take on formidable opponents like Dunbar, Phelps Architecture, and McKinley Tech. With both Banneker and Eastern in the hunt for league supremacy, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how they fare in head-to-head competition, league standings, and playoff positioning.

While Banneker may have a slight edge in overall performance, Eastern’s resilience and star power could lead to an exciting stretch run. Fans in Washington, DC, should keep an eye on these two programs, as their rivalry is sure to continue heating up as the season progresses.