The Booker T. Washington (Tulsa, OK) varsity basketball team is set to play a neutral non-conference game against Central (Springfield, MO) today at 4 p.m.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Oklahoma High School Basketball
Who: Booker T. Washington vs Central
When: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Time: 4:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Basketball Team Comparison: Central vs. Booker T. Washington

As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, two teams stand out with impressive performances: Central and Booker T. Washington. Both have had notable campaigns so far, but their paths to success have been shaped by different strengths and challenges. Let’s break down their performance metrics, key players, and how they stack up against each other in this exciting matchup.

Central’s Performance Overview

Central has had a mixed season, standing at 2-3 overall. They’ve played two games at home, but it’s their away games where they’ve struggled, posting a 0-3 record in that category. However, they’ve demonstrated resilience in neutral games, where they remain undefeated with a 2-0 record. Their scoring has been dynamic, with a strong opening quarter average of 26.5 points, but they’ve faced challenges in later periods, especially the fourth quarter, where they’ve averaged just 12.5 points.

Central’s team scoring averages a solid 64.4 points per game, but their opponents have outscored them overall, as seen by their 349 points allowed compared to their 322 points scored. Despite their overall record, Central’s offensive and defensive strategies continue to evolve, with standout performances from individual players.

Booker T. Washington’s Dominant Campaign

On the other hand, Booker T. Washington is enjoying a highly successful season. Their 6-1 record reflects a dominant performance, particularly in district games where they are undefeated at 3-0. Their overall win percentage is an impressive .857, and they also have an undefeated record in neutral games (2-0). Booker T. Washington’s total offensive output is considerably higher than Central’s, averaging 69.7 points per game, far surpassing their opponents’ ability to score.

One of the key highlights for Booker T. Washington is their team’s defensive consistency, with their opponents averaging just 348 points against them over the course of the season. The team excels in several areas, notably in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, making them a well-rounded contender.

Key Players to Watch

Central’s Star Player:
Keion Epps has emerged as the leader for Central, averaging 30.0 points per game. His scoring ability has been a key asset for the team, and his contributions are critical to Central’s offensive game plan.

Booker T. Washington’s Star Player:
Joc Mitchell is the standout player for Booker T. Washington, leading the team in nearly every major statistical category. Mitchell averages 13.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.4 steals per game, showcasing his all-around skill set. His consistency and versatility make him a key player to watch in any matchup.

Stat Comparison

When comparing the team statistics, Booker T. Washington shines with a commanding lead in almost every category:

• Points per Game: Booker T. Washington (69.7) vs. Central (20.6)
• Rebounds per Game: Booker T. Washington (29.1) has a significant edge, although Central’s performance here is not directly stated.
• Assists per Game: Booker T. Washington also leads in assists with 15.0 per game.
• Steals per Game: Booker T. Washington’s defense is another strength, averaging 12.7 steals per game.

Breakdown of Record

Central’s 2-3 record shows a team that has had its ups and downs. They are yet to find consistent success at home but have a perfect record in neutral-site games. Booker T. Washington’s 6-1 record, on the other hand, highlights their dominance both at home (2-0) and on the road (2-0), with a perfect 3-0 record in district play.

The contrast between the two teams is evident in their record breakdowns, with Booker T. Washington’s strong performances in both in-state and out-of-state games adding to their overall strength.

Conclusion

While Central continues to develop their team dynamic, Booker T. Washington has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the 2024-2025 season. The difference in scoring averages, defensive prowess, and overall consistency makes Booker T. Washington the more dominant force so far. However, with standout players like Keion Epps, Central remains a dangerous opponent, especially if they can close out games stronger in the later quarters.

This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter between two contrasting styles: Booker T. Washington’s balanced and efficient game plan against Central’s ability to score big, especially early on. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their strengths and push for further success.