The Bismarck (ND) varsity basketball team will host a conference game against Williston (ND) on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 7:45 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know Basketball:

What: North Dakota High School Basketball
Who: Bismarck (ND) vs Williston (ND)
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:45. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Williston vs. Bismarck: A Closer Look at Their Basketball Showdown

The upcoming basketball game between Williston and Bismarck promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest, especially as both teams continue to shape their season in the early months. With the game scheduled for Friday, December 20 at 7:45 p.m. at Bismarck’s home court, this is a matchup that fans and analysts alike will be watching closely.

Williston’s Current Season Overview

As of the 2024-2025 season, Williston holds a 1-3 record, with a 0-1 mark in district play. The team has demonstrated resilience despite facing challenges early on. While their overall performance could be stronger, they have shown promise in certain areas, with a scoring average of 63.5 points per game. However, their defense has struggled slightly, allowing an average of 64 points per game, which has contributed to some close losses.

At home, Williston is undefeated with a 1-0 record, though they have yet to secure a win on the road, posting 0-1 in away games and 0-2 in neutral-site contests. Their recent games have been competitive, including a narrow loss to Minot (36-33) and a game against Dickinson on December 17.

Bismarck’s Strong Start to the Season

On the other hand, Bismarck has had an excellent start to the 2024-2025 season, boasting an undefeated record of 2-0. Their offense has been particularly potent, averaging 100 points per game, while their defense has been holding opponents to 147 points in total across two games. This powerful scoring average has set the tone for their success, with an unblemished 1-0 record both at home and on neutral courts.

Bismarck’s recent games, including a win over Mandan (12/17/24) and a strong victory over Century, reflect a well-balanced team ready to challenge any opponent. Their remarkable early form will make them a tough competitor for Williston when the teams meet on December 20.

A Head-to-Head Comparison

Looking at the head-to-head comparison between Williston and Bismarck, it’s clear that Bismarck has the edge so far this season. While both teams are in the same district, Williston has struggled in their district matchups, with a 0-1 record. In contrast, Bismarck has performed consistently in both district and non-league games, boasting a 2-0 overall record. The scoring difference between these two teams is substantial, with Bismarck averaging a dominating 100 points per game compared to Williston’s 63.5 points.

Despite the difference in performance, Williston has shown they can be competitive, with an ability to keep games close. Their first matchup with Bismarck will give them the opportunity to test their defense and find ways to contain Bismarck’s high-scoring offense.

Common Opponents

Both teams share several common opponents this season, such as Minot, Dickinson, Century, and Mandan. The results of these matchups could provide valuable insight into how each team performs against similar competition. Williston faced Minot early in the season and lost in a close battle (36-33), while Bismarck has yet to face Minot but will do so later in the season. Both teams have matchups scheduled against Dickinson and Century, which will likely serve as additional benchmarks for assessing their respective strengths.

Looking Ahead

This Friday’s game between Williston and Bismarck will be a pivotal moment in the season for both teams. Williston will look to build momentum from their home court advantage and improve their record, while Bismarck will try to maintain their undefeated streak and continue their dominance. Regardless of the outcome, this matchup will set the stage for future meetings, including the rematch on January 14, 2025, at Bismarck’s home court.

As the season progresses, both teams will be vying for success in their district and league, with their performances against common opponents serving as a critical measure of their growth. Fans can expect high intensity, with each game likely providing valuable learning experiences for both squads.