As the Virginia high school basketball season continues to unfold, two teams are rising to the top with impressive performances: Bishop O’Connell and Sidwell Friends. Both teams have been dominating on the court and showing their prowess in different aspects of the game. Here’s an in-depth look at their current standings, stats, and head-to-head comparison.

Bishop O’Connell: Dominating with a Strong Record

Bishop O’Connell, with a 5-1 overall record, has been a force to reckon with this season. The team has shown exceptional form both at home and on the road, with a perfect 4-0 record in away games. The team’s offense is powered by standout player Darius Bivins, who leads the team in points (15.0 PPG), assists (3.0 APG), and steals (2.3 SPG). Bivins’ all-around play has been a major factor in the team’s strong performances.

The team averages 64.5 points per game, significantly outpacing Sidwell Friends, and maintains a healthy rebound average of 35.5 per game. Their defense is solid, with 9.2 steals and 4.0 blocks per game. While they tend to dominate offensively, their balance between scoring and defense has been key to their successful season so far.

Sidwell Friends: Consistent and Efficient

Sidwell Friends, with a 4-1 record, has also been performing at a high level. The team has shown resilience, especially in tight matches, evidenced by their narrow victories over DeMatha and Paul VI. Sidwell Friends is known for its disciplined play and consistent scoring. Their points per game average stands at 43.5, with their primary scorer being Acaden Lewis, who contributes 14.0 points per game.

Despite their lower scoring average, Sidwell Friends has been efficient in other areas, particularly in defense. They average 26.0 rebounds per game, with key contributors like Ian Condon (5.8 RPG). Their team also excels in assist-to-turnover ratio, as they average 8.5 assists per game, led by Lewis (4.0 APG). While their offensive output may not match Bishop O’Connell’s, their efficiency and defense keep them competitive in every matchup.

Team Comparison: Key Stats

Here’s a look at how Bishop O’Connell and Sidwell Friends compare statistically:

Player Leaders

Bishop O’Connell:

• Darius Bivins: 15.0 PPG, 3.0 APG, 2.3 SPG
• Liam Koelsch: 7.0 RPG, 1.5 BPG

Sidwell Friends:

• Acaden Lewis: 14.0 PPG, 4.0 APG, 2.8 SPG
• Ian Condon: 5.8 RPG

Upcoming Matchups and Common Opponents

Both teams have tough competition ahead. For Bishop O’Connell, upcoming games against DeMatha and Paul VI will test their mettle. Sidwell Friends has already beaten both teams, with a notable 48-41 victory over DeMatha on November 30, 2024, and a 49-43 win over Paul VI on December 8, 2024.

The teams have yet to face off against each other this season, but their records and performances suggest an exciting clash when they eventually meet.

Final Thoughts

Bishop O’Connell and Sidwell Friends are two teams to watch in Virginia high school basketball this season. While Bishop O’Connell boasts a high-scoring offense and dynamic playmakers like Darius Bivins, Sidwell Friends is a disciplined and efficient team that can hold its own in tough contests. Their contrasting styles promise to make any future matchups between these two teams incredibly thrilling.

As both teams continue to excel in their respective conferences, fans can expect more thrilling games and a potential playoff showdown down the line. Stay tuned for what will surely be an exciting rest of the season!