The Belleville East varsity basketball team (Belleville, IL) will play a home conference game against Alton (IL) on Friday, December 20, at 7:30 PM.

Belleville East vs Alton Game Info:

What: Illinois High School Basketball
Who: Belleville East (IL) vs Alton (IL)
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Belleville East High School
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Belleville East vs Alton

The much-anticipated basketball game between Alton and Belleville East is set to take place on Friday, December 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Belleville East. Both teams have been on a strong run this season, boasting impressive records, and fans can expect a fierce competition as these two top teams face off.

Team Records and Performance Overview

Alton (24-25) enters the game with an 8-1 overall record, having dominated in their conference with a 3-0 mark. Their performance at home has been flawless, with a 4-0 record, and they have managed a 1-1 record when playing away. The team has scored a total of 516 points while allowing 395 points. Their solid scoring has been balanced across the quarters, averaging 12.5 points in the first, 10.0 in the second, 13.5 in the third, and 16.5 in the final period, with an overall average of 57.3 points per game.

On the other hand, Belleville East (24-25) has posted an even better record of 9-1 overall, but with a slightly less consistent conference performance at 1-1. They have excelled at home with a 4-0 record and have an impressive 2-0 record in neutral-site games. Belleville East has scored 607 points and allowed 518 points this season. Their scoring averages per quarter are 10.3 in the first, 16.3 in the second, 13.0 in the third, and 14.3 in the fourth, leading to an overall average of 60.7 points per game.

Head-to-Head Rivalry

The upcoming game on December 20 will be a crucial conference matchup. However, it’s not the only meeting between these two teams this season. The return game will take place on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Alton, adding another exciting chapter to this rivalry.

In terms of their performance against common opponents, both teams have shown dominance. Alton holds a perfect 6-0 record against shared opponents, while Belleville East has gone 5-1 against the same teams. The teams’ performances against these common foes offer insights into their respective strengths.

For example, both teams have posted strong wins against teams like Waterloo, Jennings, and Highland, but Belleville East dropped a game against Edwardsville (58-48 loss on 12/13/24), a result Alton avoided by winning the same matchup 52-39 earlier in the season. The two teams will continue their battles against shared opponents throughout the rest of the season, setting the stage for an even more intense showdown in February.

A Closer Look at Their Records

• Alton’s Breakdown:
  • Overall Record: 8-1
  • Conference Record: 3-0
  • Home Record: 4-0
  • Away Record: 1-1
  • Neutral Site Record: 3-0
  • Common Opponents: 6-0
• Belleville East’s Breakdown:
  • Overall Record: 9-1
  • Conference Record: 1-1
  • Home Record: 3-1
  • Away Record: 2-0
  • Neutral Site Record: 4-0
  • Common Opponents: 5-1

Alton has the upper hand in conference play so far, but Belleville East has the advantage in overall wins. The teams have also shown strength in different areas—Alton with a solid defensive record and Belleville East with a high-powered offense.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams boast several key players who have been crucial in their success this season. Alton’s strong defense and clutch scoring in the second half make them a formidable team, while Belleville East’s dynamic offense and ability to control the game in the second quarter have been their strengths. Players on both teams will need to step up in this high-stakes rivalry game, especially in the final minutes when the game could be decided.

Conclusion

The Alton vs. Belleville East game promises to be a thrilling encounter with high stakes in the conference standings. Both teams have been impressive this season, and fans can expect a competitive matchup on December 20. With solid performances across the board, both teams are sure to bring their best to the court in what is expected to be a highly entertaining game. The teams will also meet again in February, keeping the rivalry alive as the season progresses.