The Booker T. Washington (Tulsa, OK) varsity basketball team will face Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, VA) in a neutral non-conference game today at 5:45 PM.
Game Details:
- Teams: BOCHS vs. BTWHS
- Date: Friday, Jan. 24, 2025
- Time: 5:45 PM
- Event: Quincy Shootout (Quincy, Illinois)
- Live stream: Watch Here
- Live stream: Watch Here
Bishop O’Connell vs. Booker T. Washington: A Tale of Two Strong Teams
As the 2024-2025 basketball season continues to unfold, two teams that have garnered attention for their impressive performances are Bishop O’Connell and Booker T. Washington. Both teams have delivered stellar records in their respective conferences, showcasing their skill and determination on the court. Let’s take a deeper dive into their rankings, records, and key statistics.
Bishop O’Connell (24-25) Overview
Bishop O’Connell, hailing from Virginia, has maintained a solid presence in national rankings, currently sitting at #43 overall and #6 within the state of Virginia. With an impressive 14-5 overall record, the team has posted a solid .737 win percentage. Their performance in the region has been equally competitive, with a 4-2 record in conference play. The team has excelled at home with a 7-2 record, while their away performance remains undefeated at 4-0. They are also fairly balanced with a 3-3 record in neutral-site games.
Key Statistics for Bishop O’Connell:
- Points Per Game (PPG): 60.2
- Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 32.3
- Assists Per Game (APG): 11.2
- Steals Per Game (SPG): 9.9
- Blocks Per Game (BPG): 2.8
Bishop O’Connell’s top player is Darius Bivins, who leads the team in several key categories, including points per game (11.6), assists per game (3.8), and steals per game (2.6). His ability to contribute across the board has been critical to the team’s success. In addition, Wyatt Norton is a key contributor on the boards, with an average of 5.8 rebounds per game.
Booker T. Washington (24-25) Overview
Booker T. Washington, representing Oklahoma, has been another powerhouse this season, currently ranked #24 nationally and #4 within the state. The team has a strong 11-5 overall record and boasts a .688 win percentage. They have been dominant in district play, posting an undefeated 7-0 record. In their non-league matchups, they have shown a strong ability to perform both at home (3-0) and on the road (5-0). Neutral-site games have been more challenging for them, with a 3-5 record.
Key Statistics for Booker T. Washington:
- Points Per Game (PPG): 70.6
- Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 28.4
- Assists Per Game (APG): 15.4
- Steals Per Game (SPG): 11.0
- Blocks Per Game (BPG): 1.3
For Booker T. Washington, the standout player is Barron Harris Jr., leading the team with an impressive 15.5 points per game. He is followed closely by Joc Mitchell, who excels in multiple areas, including 8.9 rebounds per game and 4.1 assists per game. Mitchell’s versatility has made him a key player for the team both offensively and defensively.
Team Scoring Averages
- Bishop O’Connell averages 63.6 points per game, with their highest-scoring quarter coming in the 4th, where they tally an average of 15.6 points.
- Booker T. Washington is the higher-scoring team overall, with an average of 70.8 points per game. Their strong offensive output is consistent across all quarters, contributing to their success on both ends of the court.
Comparing the Teams:
When comparing the statistics of the two teams, it’s clear that Booker T. Washington has a slight edge in scoring, averaging 70.6 points per game compared to Bishop O’Connell’s 60.2. However, Bishop O’Connell holds a slight advantage in rebounds, averaging 32.3 compared to Booker T. Washington’s 28.4. Additionally, while both teams are proficient in steals, Bishop O’Connell averages 9.9 per game, just shy of Booker T. Washington’s 11.0.
Key Players:
- Darius Bivins (Bishop O’Connell) – Averaging 11.6 points per game, Bivins is the go-to scorer and playmaker for his team. He also contributes defensively with 2.6 steals per game.
- Barron Harris Jr. (Booker T. Washington) – Leading his team with 15.5 points per game, Harris is a dynamic scorer who can take over games offensively.
- Joc Mitchell (Booker T. Washington) – Averaging 8.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, Mitchell is a force on both ends of the court, contributing significantly in every aspect of the game.
Conclusion
Both Bishop O’Connell and Booker T. Washington have made strong cases for their spots among the top teams in their respective regions. While Booker T. Washington may have the edge in terms of scoring, Bishop O’Connell’s well-rounded approach and strong defense could prove crucial in tight games. As the season progresses, these two teams are poised to make waves on the national stage, and it will be exciting to see how they fare against each other and their upcoming competition.
