The Bethel varsity basketball team (Spanaway, WA) will host a non-conference game against Yelm (WA) today at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know Basketball:

What: Washington, High School Basketball
Who: Bethel vs Yelm
When: Friday, December 06, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Yelm vs. Bethel Basketball: A Preview of the 2024-25 Season Matchup

As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, two high schools in Washington state—Yelm and Bethel—are preparing for their upcoming varsity matchups, with both teams looking to build momentum as the season progresses. The two squads will face off in a non-conference game, with the first matchup scheduled for tonight at Bethel High School in Spanaway, and a return game set for January 22, 2025, in Yelm. Let’s break down the current state of both teams and preview what’s to come in this exciting local rivalry.

Team Overview

Yelm (24-25 Season)

Yelm enters the 2024-2025 season with a mixed performance so far, holding a record of 1-2. Despite their overall losing record, they have shown resilience at home with a 1-1 record. However, their struggles away from home are evident, with a 0-1 mark in road games.

Their scoring has been impressive at times, averaging 65.7 points per game with notable performances, particularly in the first and fourth quarters, where they scored 18.0 and 21.0 points per game, respectively. However, the second quarter has been a weak spot, with the team averaging just 3.0 points per game during this stretch.

Key Stats for Yelm:

• Overall Record: 1-2
• Home Record: 1-1
• Away Record: 0-1
• Points For (PF): 197
• Points Against (PA): 225
• Scoring Average: 65.7 PPG

Bethel (24-25 Season)

On the other side, Bethel has faced an even tougher start to the season, sitting at 0-3 overall. The team has yet to secure a win in either district or non-league games, and they are still searching for their first victory of the season. Their losses have been marked by a series of tough battles, including a close defeat against Graham-Kapowsin (67-61).

The team is averaging 55.3 points per game, which is lower than Yelm’s scoring output. Bethel will need to improve their offensive consistency if they are to turn things around and compete effectively in upcoming games.

Key Stats for Bethel:

• Overall Record: 0-3
• District Record: 0-1
• Home Record: 0-1
• Away Record: 0-2
• Points For (PF): 166
• Points Against (PA): 212
• Scoring Average: 55.3 PPG

Head-to-Head Matchup

Yelm and Bethel will meet for the first time this season tonight, and both teams will be eager to secure a win. Yelm, with their stronger offensive performance so far, will look to capitalize on their scoring potential, especially in the high-scoring quarters where they’ve excelled. Bethel, however, has shown potential in close contests, and their defense will need to tighten up to prevent Yelm from running up the score.

Looking ahead, the return game at Yelm on January 22, 2025, will be crucial for both teams. Bethel will need to adjust and find a way to boost their offensive output, while Yelm will aim to exploit their current form and build a winning streak.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some similar opponents this season, with a few matchups already completed. Notably, Yelm and Bethel both lost to Bonney Lake (Yelm 82-53, Bethel 0-1) and Graham-Kapowsin (Yelm 67-61, Bethel 67-61). These shared results highlight that both teams have had challenges against competitive squads. Their upcoming games against these and other opponents will provide more insight into how each team is developing.

Record Breakdown

Looking at the records, both teams have been inconsistent, particularly in non-league play. Yelm’s lone win came in non-league competition, while Bethel is still seeking its first victory. The teams’ records against common opponents show that both will need to make adjustments in order to compete effectively in the district and beyond.

Record Breakdown for Yelm:

• Non-League Record: 1-1
• Home Record: 1-1
• Away Record: 0-1

Record Breakdown for Bethel:

• Non-League Record: 0-2
• Home Record: 0-1
• Away Record: 0-2

Looking Ahead

As both teams prepare for their matchup, they will be focused on improving their weaknesses. Yelm will look to strengthen their consistency throughout all four quarters, while Bethel will need to find ways to improve their scoring and defensive strategies. A win in this early season contest could set the tone for the rest of the year, providing a boost of confidence and momentum.

Stay tuned for the exciting game tonight, and make sure to mark your calendar for the return clash in January. With both teams hungry for their first district win, this rivalry is sure to bring a competitive and thrilling atmosphere to the court!