The Bartlett (TN) varsity basketball team will play a neutral non-conference game against Whitehaven (Memphis, TN) today at 8:30 p.m. as part of the Memphis Hoopfest.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Tennessee High School Basketball
Who: Bartlett vs Whitehaven
When: Saturday, January 4, 2025
Time: 8:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Whitehaven vs. Bartlett: A Season in Review and Key Matchup Breakdown

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, two teams in Tennessee high school basketball, Whitehaven and Bartlett, have made strong impressions in their respective regions. With contrasting records and notable performances, both teams are eyeing success as they approach critical matchups and postseason opportunities.

Whitehaven Tigers: Strong Start to the Season

Whitehaven has displayed a remarkable performance throughout the season, posting an 8-2 overall record. Their success has been particularly evident in non-league games, where they’ve gone 8-2, showing their dominance outside of district play. At home, Whitehaven is undefeated with a perfect 3-0 record, while they have also managed a solid 2-1 record on the road.

What stands out most about Whitehaven’s game is their offensive efficiency. Averaging 70.3 points per game, the Tigers have been consistent in scoring across all four quarters. Their highest-scoring period has been the third quarter, where they average 24.8 points per game, a crucial statistic as they look to build momentum during the second half of games. Their scoring is well-distributed, with a balanced attack led by a solid starting lineup. Defensively, Whitehaven has managed to hold opponents to 559 points across their 10 games, translating into a relatively strong defensive presence.

One of Whitehaven’s key games this season came against Houston on December 14, 2024, where they fell 74-63 in a hard-fought matchup. This game, as their lone loss against a common opponent, will be something to reflect on for their upcoming games, particularly when facing off against teams with similar strength.

Bartlett Panthers: Steady Performances and District Dominance

On the other hand, Bartlett’s performance has been somewhat mixed, with a 9-6 overall record, but an impressive 1-0 district record. Their district success, coupled with an undefeated 4-0 record at home, shows that they can be a formidable force when playing in familiar surroundings. However, their 2-0 road record and a 3-6 mark in neutral-site games indicate that they may struggle when away from home court advantage.

What has stood out about Bartlett’s offense is their tendency to score consistently in each quarter, albeit at a slightly lower average than Whitehaven. They score an average of 61.3 points per game, with their most productive periods being the third and fourth quarters, each averaging 17.7 points. While Bartlett may not match Whitehaven in terms of scoring output, their ability to finish strong in the latter half of games could provide them with an advantage in close contests.

Bartlett’s scoring has been led by a team that balances offensive threats, with their highest individual points per game total coming in the second half of games. Their defense has allowed 833 points, a total that suggests they may be vulnerable to high-scoring teams, though their 920 points scored indicates an offense that can carry them in high-scoring affairs.

The Matchup: Whitehaven vs. Bartlett

Looking ahead, the potential for a high-energy, competitive matchup between Whitehaven and Bartlett is clear. The common opponents between the teams — Houston — provides a slight edge to Bartlett, who will meet Houston at home on January 7, 2025, and again at home on January 31, 2025. Whitehaven’s earlier loss to Houston will certainly motivate them to perform better against similarly tough competition.

In terms of scoring, Whitehaven holds the advantage with their 70.3 points per game compared to Bartlett’s 61.3. The difference in scoring and overall offensive rhythm, especially in the second half, will be key when these teams meet. If Bartlett can contain Whitehaven’s offensive surge, particularly in the third quarter, they may have a chance to close the gap.

On the defensive side, Whitehaven’s ability to limit their opponents to fewer than 60 points per game could be a game-changing factor, while Bartlett will need to tighten up their defense to prevent high-scoring games that could allow their opponents to take control.

Key Factors for Success

• Whitehaven’s Depth and Consistency: Their balanced scoring across all four quarters and strong defense could put them in a favorable position against Bartlett, especially if they can exploit their scoring run in the third quarter.
• Bartlett’s Home-Court Advantage: With an undefeated record at home and a solid district win percentage, Bartlett will look to leverage their home court and crowd energy, particularly in their upcoming games.
• Finishing Strong: Bartlett has shown that they can close games effectively with strong third and fourth-quarter performances. If they can limit Whitehaven’s offensive flow and exploit opportunities late in the game, they could find themselves in a favorable position.

In conclusion, both Whitehaven and Bartlett will need to bring their A-game to ensure a playoff-worthy performance in the second half of the season. The battle between these two teams is one to watch, as they each possess the tools to make deep postseason runs, with their contrasting styles adding intrigue to what promises to be an exciting matchup.