The Morgan (UT) varsity basketball team will host a conference game against Ben Lomond (Ogden, UT) on Friday, February 7, at 7 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Ben Lomond vs Morgan
When: Friday, February 7, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Ben Lomond vs Morgan

As the Utah high school basketball season continues, a highly anticipated matchup looms between Ben Lomond and Morgan. These two teams are coming into the game with vastly different records, which sets up an intriguing contest.

Team Performance Overview

Ben Lomond enters the game with a record of 5-16 overall and 0-8 in their region. Despite struggling this season, they have shown moments of resilience. They have faced tough competition, including losses to teams like Green Canyon, South Summit, and Ogden. With an average of 58.4 points per game and a defense that has allowed 72.0 points per game, Ben Lomond has room for improvement in both offensive efficiency and defensive consistency.

Morgan, on the other hand, has been dominating. With an impressive 20-1 record and a perfect 8-0 region record, they have been a force to be reckoned with. Their offense has been potent, averaging 72.0 points per game while allowing only 52.7 points per game. Morgan’s stellar defense and high-scoring offense make them one of the top contenders in their region.

Scoring Averages and Head-to-Head

Ben Lomond’s scoring average per quarter is 12.6 in the first, 14.7 in the second, 14.8 in the third, and 16.2 in the fourth, giving them a total of 58.3 points per game. Morgan, however, has been much more consistent throughout the game, averaging 20.1 points in the first quarter, 16.4 in the second, 18.2 in the third, and 16.9 in the fourth, for an overall total of 72.0 points per game. The difference in scoring efficiency will be one of the key factors in this upcoming matchup.

The two teams faced off recently, with Morgan securing a dominant 83-49 victory. Morgan outpaced Ben Lomond in every quarter, with the scores reading 22-7, 24-9, 20-13, and 17-20. The win further solidified Morgan’s strong position at the top of the region.

Key Players to Watch

Ben Lomond’s standout player this season has been Jaerdan Vanbeekum, who leads the team with 13.4 points per game. Meanwhile, Deshawn Holland has contributed significantly with 3.1 assists per game and 2.2 steals. Despite these efforts, Ben Lomond has faced challenges against stronger teams and will need to rely on their leaders to make a statement in this game.

For Morgan, Bracken Saunders has been the driving force, averaging 18.9 points per game and leading the team in both steals (2.2) and blocks (5.6). Mason Williams also provides a strong presence in the paint with 9.7 rebounds per game. The combination of Saunders’ scoring ability and Williams’ dominance on the boards makes Morgan a difficult team to beat.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a number of the same opponents this season. Morgan has dominated their common matchups, boasting an 11-1 record against teams both teams have played. Ben Lomond, however, has struggled in these matchups, holding a 1-11 record against the same teams. Notable matchups include wins for Morgan over Tooele, Uintah, and Park City, while Ben Lomond has struggled with similar opponents.

Upcoming Game

Looking ahead to their next meeting on February 7, Ben Lomond will travel to Morgan for a regional contest. The game will be critical for Ben Lomond as they seek to gain some momentum and improve their overall and regional records. Meanwhile, Morgan will look to continue their undefeated streak in region play and maintain their dominant position atop the standings.

Conclusion

Ben Lomond’s underdog status contrasts sharply with Morgan’s powerhouse season, and while the result seems clear, the game will be an opportunity for Ben Lomond to build on their strengths and improve moving forward. For Morgan, the focus will be on extending their perfect regional record and continuing their dominant play.

As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on these two teams as they push toward the playoffs, with Morgan aiming for a strong finish and Ben Lomond looking to turn their season around.