The Bishop Ireton varsity basketball team (Alexandria, VA) will host a home conference game against Bishop McNamara (Forestville, MD) on Friday, January 31, at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Bishop McNamara vs Bishop Ireton
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Bishop McNamara vs Bishop Ireton

As we approach the heart of the 2024-2025 basketball season, a crucial conference matchup between two local rivals—Bishop McNamara (MD) and Bishop Ireton (VA)—is set to unfold on January 31, 2025, at Bishop Ireton’s home court in Alexandria, VA. This game promises to be an exciting contest as both teams aim to build momentum and close out the regular season on a high note.

Current Records

• Bishop McNamara (MD) enters this game with an overall record of 8-11. While their regional performance has been somewhat inconsistent at 4-4, they remain competitive within their league, particularly at home, where they hold a 3-5 record. Despite the challenges, Bishop McNamara’s offense has been productive, averaging 66.7 points per game. However, their defense has allowed an average of 68.2 points per game.
• Bishop Ireton (VA), on the other hand, has a stronger overall record of 11-8. However, their regional performance has been rough, with a 1-6 record in the league. Despite their struggles in conference play, Bishop Ireton has excelled in non-league games, posting a 7-1 record in such matchups. Their team scores an average of 63.4 points per game, but their defense has also been under pressure, giving up an average of 64.7 points per game.

Previous Matchup

In their previous encounter, Bishop Ireton defeated Bishop McNamara by a close margin of 70-65 on December 10, 2024. This hard-fought win marked Bishop Ireton’s third straight victory over McNamara. The close scoreline highlighted the competitive nature of the two teams, and with the return matchup set for January 31, fans can expect another intense battle.

Team Comparisons

• Scoring Averages:
  • Bishop McNamara tends to start strong, averaging 13.9 points in the first quarter, with a noticeable increase to 19.4 points in the fourth quarter. Their offensive strategy is largely based on high-scoring bursts late in games.
  • Bishop Ireton, meanwhile, has a balanced attack, with 14.5 points in the first quarter and 19.3 points in the final quarter. Their consistency through all four quarters may help them in tight games like this one.
• Common Opponents:
  Both teams have faced high-caliber competition throughout the season. Bishop McNamara holds a 4-3 record against common opponents, while Bishop Ireton has struggled, posting a 0-6 record. This discrepancy highlights the difference in how each team has fared against shared rivals.

Key Games for Both Teams

• For Bishop McNamara, their recent victories over teams like Bishop O’Connell (59-39), Our Lady of Good Counsel (75-65), and St. Mary’s Ryken (72-53) show that they are capable of competing with top-tier teams. However, their losses to DeMatha and St. John’s reveal the challenges they face in their league.
• Bishop Ireton, although showing resilience in some matchups, has yet to secure a win against a common opponent like St. John’s or DeMatha, both of whom have handed them losses by significant margins.

What to Expect on January 31

This upcoming game between Bishop McNamara and Bishop Ireton will be a battle for pride and position in the standings. Bishop McNamara will look to avenge their previous loss to Bishop Ireton, while the latter aims to continue their strong performance at home and move further above .500.

With both teams showing signs of offensive firepower but inconsistent defense, the key to success will likely be which team can tighten up defensively and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Look for a close, competitive game that may come down to the final minutes.

Conclusion

As both teams prepare for the January 31 showdown, it is clear that this game will play a critical role in the remainder of their season. Bishop McNamara seeks redemption after the December loss, while Bishop Ireton aims to continue their strong performance in non-league games. Fans of both teams will undoubtedly be in for an exciting matchup with plenty of action, as these two schools continue their basketball rivalry with playoff implications on the line.