The Bishop Ryan varsity basketball team (Minot, ND) will host a home conference game against Velva (ND) on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:15 PM.

Game Details:

• Matchup: Velva vs. Bishop Ryan
• Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
• Time: 7:15 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Velva vs. Bishop Ryan: A Clash of Unbeaten Teams in North Dakota Basketball

As the 2024-2025 North Dakota high school basketball season progresses, two teams continue to dominate their respective leagues: Velva and Bishop Ryan. Both squads have emerged as formidable forces in the state, each maintaining an unbeaten record, and their head-to-head showdown promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.

Velva’s Perfect Start

Velva (7-0 overall, 2-0 district) has proven to be a powerhouse in their league, showing exceptional dominance both at home and on the road. The team has impressed with a total of 546 points scored and 388 points allowed, maintaining a perfect 1.000 win percentage across all games. Notable victories include wins over Des Lacs-Burlington (74-54), St. John (81-57), and Berthold (91-39). With an offense averaging 78 points per game, including a high-scoring first half (47 points), Velva has been a threat to every team they’ve faced.

The team’s scoring breakdown shows that they excel in all quarters. They average 23 points in the first, 24 in the second, and 24 in the third quarter, while the fourth quarter sees a slight dip to 10 points. Despite this drop-off, they maintain a comfortable margin to secure victories. This balanced offensive attack, combined with their tenacious defense, has made them a tough team to beat.

Bishop Ryan’s Unyielding Success

On the other side, Bishop Ryan (8-0 overall, 2-0 district) has also maintained a flawless record. With 537 points scored and just 288 points allowed, Bishop Ryan has shown that they are just as dangerous on both ends of the floor. The team’s average of 67.1 points per game reflects a high level of consistency and efficiency. Their victories over common opponents, such as St. John (69-28) and Powers Lake/Burke Central (65-41), further solidify their standing as one of the top teams in North Dakota.

Bishop Ryan’s scoring averages reveal their own style of play, where they score an average of 23 points in the first quarter, 18.5 in the second, and 20 in the third. The fourth quarter sees a slight dip to 10 points, mirroring Velva’s trend. While the team’s offense may be slightly more balanced, their defense has been nothing short of spectacular.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Results

When comparing their performance against common opponents, both teams have shown dominance. Velva holds a 4-0 record against shared adversaries, while Bishop Ryan is a perfect 5-0. Key games for both squads include wins over St. John, Des Lacs-Burlington, and Berthold. In fact, each team has posted some lopsided scores, with Velva’s 91-39 victory over Berthold and Bishop Ryan’s 64-26 win over Harvey highlighting their offensive and defensive capabilities.

While the head-to-head meeting between Velva and Bishop Ryan hasn’t occurred yet, it’s clear that both teams are heading toward a collision course at the top of their district standings.

Breakdown of Records

• Velva: 7-0 overall, 2-0 in district play, with a perfect 4-0 record at home and 2-0 on the road.
• Bishop Ryan: 8-0 overall, 2-0 in district play, with a 5-0 record against non-league teams and 3-0 on the road.

Velva’s strength lies in their explosive offense, with high-scoring games against multiple teams, while Bishop Ryan shines with a strong defensive identity and efficient offensive play. Both teams are undefeated in-state, and they appear poised to make a deep run into the playoffs.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, both Velva and Bishop Ryan look to continue their unbeaten streaks. The upcoming games against common opponents like Glenburn, Our Redeemer’s Christian, and Ray will test each team’s ability to maintain their perfect records. Ultimately, the January 14th match-up between Velva and Bishop Ryan could be a pivotal moment in the season, as the teams face off for the first time.

With both teams playing at such a high level, this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons for North Dakota basketball fans. Whether you’re rooting for the explosive offense of Velva or the defensive prowess of Bishop Ryan, one thing is certain: these teams are ready to leave their mark on the state’s basketball landscape.