The Bishop Watterson varsity basketball team (Columbus, OH) will host St. Francis DeSales (Columbus, OH) for a home conference game on Friday, January 17 at 7:30 PM.
Matchup Details:
- Opponent: St. Francis DeSales (SFDS)
- Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: Bishop Watterson High School (BWHS), Columbus, OH
- Live stream: Watch Here
Preview: St. Francis DeSales vs. Bishop Watterson – A Thrilling Conference Rivalry Game
As the Ohio high school basketball season progresses, all eyes are set on the upcoming conference showdown between St. Francis DeSales and Bishop Watterson, two formidable teams from Columbus, OH. With the game set to tip off on Friday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m., this contest promises to be a thrilling chapter in the ongoing rivalry between these two local powerhouses.
Team Records and Rankings
St. Francis DeSales enters the game with a solid 9-3 record, including a perfect 1-0 conference record. The team has been strong both at home (6-1) and away (3-2), boasting an overall win percentage of .750. In their 12 games so far, they’ve averaged 62.8 points per game (PPG) and have accumulated 753 points, while allowing 616 points. The team’s balanced offense has been key to their success, with impressive scoring in each quarter: 12.0 PPG in the first quarter, 3.0 PPG in the second quarter, 18.0 PPG in the third, and 15.0 PPG in the fourth.
On the other side, Bishop Watterson comes into the game with an excellent 7-1 overall record, but a rare loss in their lone conference game (0-1). Despite a solid home record of 5-1, their away performance (2-0) has been perfect, and they have managed to outscore opponents by a significant margin. The team’s offense has averaged 56.5 PPG, with strong performances in the first (15.8 PPG) and second (13.5 PPG) quarters, and they maintain a consistent flow throughout the game.
Key Matchups and Head-to-Head History
The St. Francis DeSales and Bishop Watterson rivalry will heat up in this highly anticipated game, which will be the first of two meetings between these teams. The second meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 7 at St. Francis DeSales. These games always carry a sense of urgency as both teams aim for league supremacy, and the head-to-head battle will be pivotal in determining who holds the edge in the conference standings.
Both teams share some common opponents, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup. Here’s a breakdown of their shared opponents’ results so far:
- Licking Heights: St. Francis DeSales defeated them 74-66 on December 7, 2024. Bishop Watterson will face them next on January 20, 2025.
- Grove City: St. Francis DeSales suffered a close loss, 55-48, on December 28, 2024, while Bishop Watterson will play Grove City on February 4, 2025.
- St. Charles: St. Francis DeSales defeated St. Charles 59-37 on January 10, 2025, and will face them again on January 31, 2025. Bishop Watterson will play St. Charles twice in the coming weeks, including a home game on January 24, 2025.
- Bishop Hartley: Both teams will meet Bishop Hartley in the coming weeks, with St. Francis DeSales facing them on January 24 and February 14, while Bishop Watterson already lost to them 48-38 on January 10, 2025, and will face them again on January 31, 2025.
- Westerville Central: St. Francis DeSales will square off against them on February 1, 2025, while Bishop Watterson defeated Westerville Central 74-53 on December 30, 2024.
These common opponents suggest a highly competitive conference race with each game potentially tipping the balance in favor of one team or the other.
Analyzing the Record Breakdown
Both teams have strong records but in different ways. St. Francis DeSales has excelled in non-conference games (8-3), while Bishop Watterson has been dominant in their non-league contests, going 7-0. The difference in their conference records stands out—while St. Francis DeSales is perfect at 1-0 in league play, Bishop Watterson has struggled in their sole conference matchup, posting a 0-1 conference record.
The upcoming game will likely be a crucial turning point in the conference standings, as both teams are poised to battle for the top spot.
What to Expect
As we approach this exciting game, fans can expect a high-energy atmosphere, fierce competition, and intense plays from both squads. St. Francis DeSales will rely on their offensive firepower, scoring efficiently across all four quarters, while Bishop Watterson will look to capitalize on their consistency in scoring and strong defense. With both teams highly motivated to secure the win, the January 17th matchup promises to be an unforgettable contest.
Stay tuned for more coverage as the teams continue their quest for conference dominance.
