As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season heads into its final stretch, the rivalry between the Galena Grizzlies and Bishop Manogue Miners has reached an exciting crescendo. Both teams are gearing up for another high-stakes encounter in what promises to be a thrilling playoff matchup tonight, with the Galena Grizzlies traveling to Bishop Manogue’s home court at 7:00 PM for the latest chapter in this intense local rivalry.

Team Overview

Galena Grizzlies (9-15, 5-11 League)
Galena’s season has had its ups and downs. With a win percentage of just .375, the Grizzlies have struggled in conference play, finishing 5-11 in league matchups. Despite this, they’ve shown resilience, with standout players like Anthony Martin, who leads the team with an average of 9.3 points per game, and Gavin Talonen, contributing an average of 4.6 rebounds per game. Galena’s scoring average stands at 51.7 points per game, with a notable drop-off in the third quarter, where they average just 12.7 points.

Bishop Manogue Miners (15-10, 11-5 League)
Bishop Manogue, on the other hand, has enjoyed a more successful season, with a win percentage of .600 and a solid 11-5 league record. They’ve been particularly strong in the second half of games, averaging 15.4 points in the fourth quarter and finishing the season with a scoring average of 57.9 points per game. Liam Sorensen, averaging 13 points per game, has been the Miners’ offensive leader, with Jamahl Jackson contributing both on the boards (6.4 rebounds per game) and defensively (1.6 blocks per game).

Head-to-Head: A Split Decision

The two teams have faced off twice this season, with each securing a win on their home court. The first meeting, on December 10, 2024, was a thrilling overtime battle in which Galena triumphed 67-61. Despite a strong performance from Bishop Manogue in the early stages, where they led by 16 points in the first quarter, Galena made a remarkable comeback in the final moments to secure the victory in overtime.

However, the Miners got their revenge on January 17, 2025, defeating Galena 39-38 in a nail-biting finish. The game was a defensive showdown, with both teams struggling offensively. Galena’s late rally fell just short, as Bishop Manogue clung to a slim one-point lead.

Statistical Breakdown

Both teams have strong individual performances but different overall styles of play. Galena averages just 39.0 points per game, with Zakery Smrt contributing 1.9 assists per game. Bishop Manogue, with their more potent offense, averages 57.9 points per game and excels in team passing, with Eli Benna recording 4.2 assists per game.

Galena’s Key Players:

• Anthony Martin (9.3 PPG)
• Gavin Talonen (4.6 RPG)
• Zakery Smrt (1.9 APG)

Bishop Manogue’s Key Players:

• Liam Sorensen (13.0 PPG)
• Jamahl Jackson (6.4 RPG, 1.6 BPG)
• Eli Benna (4.2 APG, 1.4 SPG)

Common Opponents and Performance Comparison

Both teams have faced a number of common opponents this season, and Bishop Manogue holds a clear advantage in these matchups. Galena has posted a 6-11 record against shared opponents, while Bishop Manogue has gone 11-4. Some notable games include Galena’s narrow wins over Reed and McQueen, while Bishop Manogue has been dominant, taking down teams like Reed and Spanish Springs by significant margins.

Playoff Implications

Tonight’s game will have major playoff implications for both teams. Galena is hoping to turn their season around with a late playoff push, while Bishop Manogue is looking to build on a strong regular-season finish and make a deep postseason run. With both teams having shown moments of brilliance and vulnerability this season, the game is expected to be a closely contested affair.

Will Galena’s resilient defense and late-game heroics earn them another win over their rivals, or will Bishop Manogue’s more balanced offense and experience on the court carry them to victory once again? Fans of both schools will be in for an exciting night of high school basketball.