The Sullivan East varsity basketball team from Bluff City, TN, will face off against Bearden from Knoxville, TN, in a neutral tournament game today at 2:30 PM.
Here’s what you need Basketball to know:
What: Tennessee High School Basketball
Who: Bearden vs Sullivan East
When: Thursday, December 26, 2024,
Time: 2:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
Don’t miss this exciting tournament clash
Bearden vs. Sullivan East: A Tale of Contrasting Seasons
The 2024-2025 basketball season has showcased two vastly different narratives for Bearden and Sullivan East. While Bearden has enjoyed a dominant campaign, Sullivan East has struggled to find its rhythm. A detailed analysis of their records, statistics, and performance metrics reveals the significant gap between these two teams.
Team Records and Rankings
Bearden boasts an impressive 24-1 overall record with a perfect 13-1 district performance. Their consistency across home (4-0), away (5-0), and neutral (4-1) games underscores their dominance, reflected in a stellar .929 win percentage and a 1.000 district win rate. In contrast, Sullivan East has faced a challenging season, recording an overall 4-10 record with a modest .286 win percentage. Their struggles are evident both at home (2-6) and on the road (2-4).
Offensive and Defensive Comparison
Bearden has outperformed Sullivan East significantly in both offensive and defensive metrics. Bearden’s ability to average 74.1 points per game (compared to Sullivan East’s 56.7) showcases their potent offense. They have also been defensively solid, limiting opponents to just 696 points for the season, while Sullivan East has allowed 933 points.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Trends
- Bearden: Their scoring remains consistent through the first three quarters, averaging 22.5, 25.5, and 25.5 points, respectively. A slight dip occurs in the fourth quarter (13.5 points), likely due to game control.
- Sullivan East: Their scoring is uneven, with low averages in the first two quarters (13.1 and 11.0 points) before improving slightly in the second half (16.0 and 15.3 points).
Statistical Leaders
Bearden’s success has been driven by standout performances from key players. Eli Hubbard (#50) leads the team in points (12.2 per game) and rebounds (6.8 per game), demonstrating his versatility. Thomas Ridlehuber (#24) contributes with 2.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game, solidifying Bearden’s playmaking and defensive edge.
For Sullivan East, player contributions have been below the national averages. Their team leaders’ stats, such as a 5.2 points-per-game scorer, highlight the need for more impactful performances.
Common Opponent: Daniel Boone
A comparison of both teams’ performances against a common opponent, Daniel Boone, further highlights the disparity:
- Bearden dominated Daniel Boone with a decisive 91-42 victory on November 21, 2024.
- Sullivan East, on the other hand, suffered an 84-59 loss to Daniel Boone on December 10, 2024.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
Bearden’s Strengths
- Consistency Across Venues: Undefeated in home and away games.
- Depth of Talent: Balanced scoring and contributions across the roster.
- Strong Defensive Play: Averaging 7.8 steals per game while limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities.
Sullivan East’s Struggles
- Offensive Inconsistencies: Scoring struggles, particularly in the early quarters.
- Defensive Gaps: High points allowed per game (933 points in total).
- Limited Playmaker Impact: Lack of standout individual performances above national averages.
Season Outlook
With Bearden’s dominant form and cohesive team dynamics, they are poised for a strong postseason run. Meanwhile, Sullivan East will need to regroup, address their weaknesses, and look to build for the future.
The stark contrast between these two teams exemplifies how preparation, talent, and execution can define a basketball season. Bearden’s rise is a testament to their well-rounded approach, while Sullivan East’s challenges highlight the need for growth and improvement.
