The Belle Plaine (KS) varsity basketball team will play a home non-conference game against Haven (KS) today at 7 p.m.

Belle Plaine vs Haven Game Info:

What: Iowa High School Basketball
Who: Belle Plaine (IA) vs Haven (IA)
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Belle Plaine vs Haven

As the 2024-25 basketball season progresses, two teams from Kansas—Haven and Belle Plaine—stand out for their performances, though their journeys have taken different paths. Haven has emerged as a dominant force in their district, while Belle Plaine has faced challenges, yet shows resilience. Here’s a detailed comparison of both teams based on their performance so far.

Record and Performance Breakdown

Haven has been exceptional this season, boasting a perfect 5-0 overall record. They have won all their games across both district and non-district matchups, with an impressive 1.000 win percentage across all formats (home, away, and neutral). Their performance on both ends of the court has been a key factor in their undefeated run, with a total of 306 points scored compared to just 157 allowed.

In contrast, Belle Plaine has had a rough start, posting a 1-4 record overall. However, the team remains strong in district games, with a 1-0 district record. Their total points scored (222) and points allowed (268) reflect the challenges they’ve faced, and their win percentage currently stands at just .200. Nonetheless, Belle Plaine has shown potential with a 1-0 district record, which they will look to build on as the season progresses.

Scoring and Statistical Averages

Looking at the scoring and statistical averages, Haven has been dominant, averaging 61.2 points per game across their five games. The team has balanced scoring and defensive play, with standout players leading the way in various categories. On the other hand, Belle Plaine has averaged just 44.4 points per game, with much of their scoring coming in the second and third quarters. Their highest-scoring quarter is Q3 (17.5 points), but they will need more consistency in their scoring across all quarters to compete with top-tier teams like Haven.

Statistical Leaders

Haven’s team leaders:

• Points Per Game: #22 Tristan Wasser (9.0 PPG)
• Rebounds Per Game: #34 Nicholas Pace (5.8 RPG)
• Assists Per Game: #10 Karver Harlan (1.6 APG)
• Steals Per Game: #10 Karver Harlan (2.6 SPG)
• Blocks Per Game: #14 Hayden Whitley (1.0 BPG)

Belle Plaine’s team leaders:

• Points Per Game: #22 Tristan Wasser (5.3 PPG)
• Rebounds Per Game: #34 Nicholas Pace (2.8 RPG)
• Assists Per Game: #10 Karver Harlan (1.1 APG)
• Steals Per Game: #10 Karver Harlan (1.0 SPG)
• Blocks Per Game: #14 Hayden Whitley (0.3 BPG)

Haven has clear advantages in most statistical categories, particularly in points per game and steals. Their ability to put up points and dominate defensively has been a significant factor in their unbeaten record.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Haven and Belle Plaine have faced different sets of opponents this season. Haven boasts a 1-0 record against common opponent Kingman, having beaten them 63-24 in a dominant performance. Belle Plaine, on the other hand, will meet Kingman on February 21, 2025, for their first matchup of the season.

While their records against common opponents differ, Haven’s head-to-head performance against Kingman shows their overall strength and ability to overwhelm teams with a strong defensive and offensive mix.

Home and Away Performance

Haven has been nearly flawless at home and away, winning both of their home and away games (2-0 at home, 2-0 away). They also managed a solid victory in a neutral-site game, bringing their neutral record to 1-0. This strong performance on the road and at home places them in a favorable position as the season progresses.

In contrast, Belle Plaine has struggled in away games (0-2), and while they have a perfect record at home (2-0), their ability to perform in neutral and away settings will be critical for any hopes of turning their season around.

Final Thoughts

Haven has proven to be one of the top teams in their district, and their early-season success indicates that they are a contender for a deep playoff run. Their balanced offensive and defensive play, led by key players like Tristan Wasser and Karver Harlan, will be hard for any opponent to overcome.

Belle Plaine, while facing a challenging season so far, has shown flashes of potential. Their ability to compete in district play remains a positive sign, but they will need to improve in scoring consistency and team defense if they hope to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs.

As the season continues, these two teams will be looking to fine-tune their performances, with Haven striving to maintain their undefeated streak and Belle Plaine aiming for a comeback in the second half of the season.