The Booker T. Washington varsity basketball team from Tulsa, OK, will play a neutral non-conference game against Bishop O’Connell from Arlington, VA, today at 5:45 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Bishop O’Connell vs Booker T. Washington
When: Friday, January 24, 2025
Time: 5:45. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Bishop O’Connell vs Booker T. Washington
As the 2024-25 Virginia high school basketball season progresses, two standout teams—Bishop O’Connell and Booker T. Washington—are making waves with impressive performances. Both teams have strong records, key players, and statistical dominance in several aspects of the game. Here’s a closer look at their season performances and how they compare.
Team Overview & Rankings
Bishop O’Connell currently holds a 14-5 overall record, ranking 43rd nationally, 6th in Virginia, and 4th in their division. Their solid .737 win percentage is backed by consistent play, especially at home, where they are 7-2. In regional play, they boast a 4-2 record with an average of 63.6 points per game (PPG).
Booker T. Washington, on the other hand, has an 11-5 overall record and ranks 24th nationally and 4th in their class. Dominating their district with a 7-0 record, they maintain a .688 win percentage while averaging 70.8 PPG—significantly higher than Bishop O’Connell.
Statistical Comparison
Looking at team statistics, Booker T. Washington leads in offensive production, averaging 70.6 PPG, while Bishop O’Connell scores 60.2 PPG. However, Bishop O’Connell slightly outperforms in rebounding with 32.3 rebounds per game (RPG) compared to Booker T. Washington’s 28.4 RPG.
In playmaking, Booker T. Washington distributes the ball better, averaging 15.4 assists per game (APG) over Bishop O’Connell’s 11.2 APG. Defensive statistics show a tight contest, with Booker T. Washington leading in steals (11.0 per game) over Bishop O’Connell’s 9.9. Conversely, Bishop O’Connell leads in shot-blocking with 2.8 blocks per game (BPG) compared to Booker T. Washington’s 1.3 BPG.
Key Players & Individual Performances
Each team has standout players who have been instrumental in their success:
- Bishop O’Connell:
- Darius Bivins (#1) leads the team with 11.6 PPG, 3.8 APG, and 2.6 SPG.
- Wyatt Norton (#4) dominates the boards with 5.8 RPG.
- Liam Koelsch (#12) contributes defensively with 0.9 BPG.
- Booker T. Washington:
- Barron Harris Jr. (#5) leads in scoring with 15.5 PPG.
- Joc Mitchell (#1) is a key all-rounder with 8.9 RPG, 4.1 APG, and 2.3 SPG.
- Mason Matulis (#2) adds defensive support with 0.6 BPG.
Performance Breakdown
Bishop O’Connell has displayed a balanced record across different venues:
- 7-2 at home
- 4-0 on the road
- 3-3 at neutral sites
Booker T. Washington, however, has been dominant both at home (3-0) and on the road (5-0) but has struggled in neutral settings (3-5).
Conclusion
While both teams showcase high-level talent and strong team chemistry, Booker T. Washington appears to have the edge offensively, while Bishop O’Connell has a more balanced defense. With no head-to-head matchups so far, a potential future clash between these two programs could be a thrilling battle to watch. Both teams are poised for deep playoff runs, and their standout players will be key in determining how far they advance this season.