The Benton (IL) varsity basketball team will host a home conference game against Pinckneyville (IL) on Friday, January 17 at 7:00 PM.
Benton vs Pinckneyville Game Info:
What: Illinois High School Basketball
Who: Benton (IL) vs Pinckneyville (IL)
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Benton vs Pinckneyville
As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, the spotlight is on two of Illinois’ top teams: Pinckneyville and Benton. Both schools are dominating their respective conferences, with perfect records and impressive scoring averages, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming clash.
Team Overview
Pinckneyville’s basketball program has been a powerhouse, maintaining a strong record of 14-2 overall, with a flawless 3-0 conference record. The Panthers are a balanced team, dominating both at home and away, with a 7-0 home record and a 3-1 away mark. Their offensive firepower has been a key factor, averaging 68.4 points per game with a strong fourth-quarter performance of 21.0 points per game. Pinckneyville’s defense has also been solid, allowing just 648 points through 16 games.
On the other hand, Benton has yet to be defeated this season, sporting an immaculate 15-0 record. The Rangers have been dominant in all facets, including their perfect 4-0 conference performance. Benton is equally as formidable at home, on the road, and in neutral-site games, with a combined 7-0 record. The Rangers have an average scoring output of 57.7 points per game, with their offense peaking in the second quarter (15.0 points). Their defense has been tight, conceding only 552 points so far.
Head-to-Head Matchup
The most recent meeting between these two titans occurred on December 30, 2024, in a nail-biting neutral-site tournament game. Benton edged out Pinckneyville 51-50 in a tightly contested contest. With both teams performing at a high level, the next matchup promises even more intensity.
The two teams are set to face off again on January 17, 2025, in a conference showdown at Benton. The return game at Pinckneyville will be held on February 21, 2025. Both games will have significant implications for the Southern Illinois Conference standings and could shape the path to the postseason.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, with both maintaining an impressive record against these shared competitors. Pinckneyville has taken care of business against teams like Chester, Frankfort, DuQuoin, Anna-Jonesboro, and Steeleville, while Benton has similarly dominated these opponents, including wins over Frankfort, DuQuoin, and Anna-Jonesboro. Notably, Benton has a 7-0 record against common opponents, while Pinckneyville is 4-0.
Record Breakdown
Looking at the record breakdown, Benton has the edge in the overall win column, but Pinckneyville has been equally dominant in their league play, with both teams performing at a high level in non-conference games as well.
- Pinckneyville: 14-2 overall, 3-0 conference, 7-0 home, 3-1 away, 4-1 neutral
- Benton: 15-0 overall, 4-0 conference, 4-0 home, 4-0 away, 7-0 neutral
Key Matchups to Watch
- Offensive vs. Defensive Strategy: Pinckneyville’s high-scoring offense, with a particular focus on the fourth quarter, will face Benton’s structured defense. How these two contrasting styles play out could be the difference-maker in their upcoming meetings.
- Team Depth: Both teams have shown resilience, but with Benton’s perfect record and more balanced offensive output across quarters, they may have the edge in maintaining consistency throughout the game. Pinckneyville will need to capitalize on their strong late-game play to secure a win on the road.
Conclusion
With both teams boasting unbeaten records and high-level performances, the Pinckneyville vs. Benton matchup is one of the most anticipated games in Southern Illinois this season. Whether it’s the Panthers’ high-scoring offense or the Rangers’ undefeated streak, fans can expect an intense and thrilling game. As the season progresses, both teams will look to continue their dominance and perhaps meet again in the postseason for a final showdown.
