The Bath High School (Lima, OH) varsity basketball team will be hosting Shawnee (Lima, OH) for a home conference game today at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to Basketball know:

What: Ohio High School Basketball
Who: Bath vs Shawnee
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Shawnee vs. Bath: A Season of High Stakes in Lima, OH

The 2024-2025 basketball season has been filled with intense matchups and exciting performances, particularly between two of the most prominent teams in the Lima, OH area: Shawnee and Bath. Both teams have shown promising performances so far this season, but Shawnee has emerged as the early leader in their local rivalry.

Shawnee’s Strong Start

Shawnee’s season has been impressive, with a 5-1 overall record and a perfect 1-0 mark in the conference. The team has demonstrated an ability to dominate in both home and away games, with a 2-0 record at home and another 2-0 mark on the road. Their only blemish came in a neutral-site game, where they split their results with a 1-1 record. Their solid performance has been fueled by a potent offense and a balanced defensive strategy, resulting in an average of 64.3 points per game and a point differential of +100.

Leading the way for Shawnee is Beckett Bertke, who has been a scoring machine, averaging 22.0 points per game. His versatility on both ends of the floor, paired with his 7.8 rebounds per game, has made him a force to be reckoned with in the conference. His brother, Trevick Bertke, has also been crucial to Shawnee’s success, contributing 4.3 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game.

Bath’s Resilient Effort

While Bath’s record sits at 3-2, they are also competing with tenacity, showing promise in their early conference play. With a 1-0 record in conference matchups and a respectable 2-1 mark in away games, Bath is not to be underestimated. The team’s offense has faced some struggles, averaging just 49.6 points per game, but their defense has kept them competitive. Bath has a slim point differential of +12, which speaks to the team’s ability to keep games close and gritty.

Bath’s standout player this season has been their defense, with a solid effort from their leaders. Despite not having a player putting up Bertke-like scoring numbers, Bath’s team-oriented approach has made them a tough competitor. They are particularly strong on the defensive end, and their performance in tight games will be key to their success as the season progresses.

Head-to-Head Showdown

In their first meeting this season, Shawnee handed Bath a tough loss on November 29, 2024, winning 60-41. Shawnee’s dominance was clear as they outpaced Bath in the first three quarters, holding a strong lead that Bath could not overcome. Shawnee’s offensive balance, with players like Beckett Bertke leading the charge, and the defensive presence of Trevick Bertke, proved too much for Bath to handle.

However, Bath will be looking for redemption when they host Shawnee for a home conference game later today. With the home-court advantage, Bath will need to capitalize on their defense and tighten up their offensive execution to stand a chance against Shawnee’s high-powered attack.

Key Stats and Matchups

• Scoring Averages: Shawnee is averaging 64.3 points per game, while Bath sits at 49.6, a noticeable gap. Shawnee has consistently scored in all four quarters, with particular strength in the second and third periods, while Bath has struggled in the first half of games.
• Rebounding Battle: Shawnee averages 25.8 rebounds per game, a solid performance that helps their transition play and second-chance opportunities. Bath has to do a better job of controlling the boards if they hope to keep the game competitive.
• Defensive Key: Bath’s defense has been its greatest asset, but Shawnee’s depth and scoring efficiency could overwhelm Bath unless they find a way to disrupt Shawnee’s rhythm.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, with Shawnee having a perfect 2-0 record against them, while Bath is 1-1. Notably, Shawnee secured solid wins over teams like St. Henry (64-55) and Elida (70-31), while Bath split their results with Elida (45-37 loss). These common matchups showcase Shawnee’s ability to dominate teams, while Bath has had mixed results.

The Road Ahead

As Shawnee looks to extend their conference dominance, Bath will need to rise to the occasion to keep their playoff hopes alive. With several key games coming up, including tough matchups against St. John’s, Celina, and Van Wert for Shawnee, and the potential for Bath to turn their season around with a solid run, it will be interesting to see how both teams respond.

The upcoming game between Shawnee and Bath will be critical not only for conference positioning but also as a testament to the resilience and drive of both teams. Shawnee comes into the game as the favorite, but Bath has proven they can rise to the challenge. Fans in Lima will be watching closely as these two teams continue to make their mark on the 2024-2025 basketball season.