The Briarcrest Christian varsity basketball team (Eads, TN) will face Memphis Business Academy (Memphis, TN) in a neutral non-conference game today at 4:30 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Tennessee High School Basketball
Who: Briarcrest Christian vs Memphis Business Academy
When: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Time: 4:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Comparing Memphis Business Academy and Briarcrest Christian Basketball Teams

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, two teams in the Memphis area are drawing attention with their impressive performances: Memphis Business Academy and Briarcrest Christian. Both teams have shown their strengths on the court, but their records, play styles, and standout players reveal distinct contrasts. Let’s take a closer look at how they measure up based on various performance metrics.

Overall Records and Win Percentages

Memphis Business Academy and Briarcrest Christian have both played a mix of home, away, and neutral games this season.

• Memphis Business Academy has a .500 win percentage with a 4-4 overall record. This indicates a balanced season so far with an equal number of wins and losses. Their scoring is competitive, averaging 66.4 points per game, but they have been more inconsistent, with an even split between home and away games.
• Briarcrest Christian, on the other hand, boasts an impressive .875 win percentage with a 7-1 record. They have been dominant in nearly every game, with a particularly strong performance at home, where they hold a perfect 4-0 record. Briarcrest Christian’s average points per game (70) is slightly higher than Memphis Business Academy’s, suggesting they are more effective in their offensive strategy.

Scoring Averages by Quarter

A deeper look at the scoring averages by quarter reveals interesting differences in the teams’ strategies. Memphis Business Academy has been particularly strong in the second half of games, especially in the fourth quarter, where they average 41.5 points. Their strong finishing ability helps them remain competitive even when trailing in earlier quarters.

Briarcrest Christian, however, has been consistently strong throughout the game. They average 15.0 points in the first quarter and 18.0 points in the second, establishing a strong foundation early on. Despite a drop in the third quarter (7.0 points), they recover well in the fourth, scoring 12 points. Briarcrest Christian’s ability to maintain a high offensive output in the first half has been a key to their success.

Team Stat Comparison

While both teams excel in different areas, Briarcrest Christian has demonstrated a more balanced and well-rounded game:

• Memphis Business Academy: Averaging 66.4 points per game, Memphis Business Academy shows a robust offense. They also average 24.9 rebounds, 14.3 assists, 5.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. The team has shown particular strength in playmaking, as indicated by their high assists and steals.
• Briarcrest Christian: Though specific stats weren’t provided for Briarcrest Christian, their overall performance suggests a slightly more focused offense and defense, with strong rebounding and assist contributions. Their ability to control the game early has been one of the hallmarks of their season.

Key Players to Watch

Each team has standout players who contribute significantly to their success:

• Memphis Business Academy:
  • Zion Barrentine (#23) leads the team with 18.0 points per game, showing his ability to carry the offense.
  • Jaylon Hopson (#12) is a key rebounder with 8.6 boards per game, contributing on both ends of the floor.
  • Larry Benson (#3) is the team’s primary playmaker, averaging 6.6 assists per game.
  • Ethan Caswell (#1) adds defensive pressure with 1.6 steals per game.
• Briarcrest Christian:
  • Though specific individual stats are not listed, the team’s overall efficiency in games suggests that they have several players contributing across multiple categories, including scoring, rebounding, and assists.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced common opponents, providing a useful comparison. Memphis Business Academy’s record against common opponents stands at 1-1, while Briarcrest Christian holds a 1-0 record.

• Memphis Business Academy lost to Whitehaven but secured a victory over PURE Academy.
• Briarcrest Christian defeated Trezevant by a dominant margin of 97-17, a clear indication of their ability to outclass their competition.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• Memphis Business Academy: The team’s main strength lies in their offensive output, particularly in the second half. However, their struggles in consistency, especially in the first half, might hurt their chances in more competitive matchups.
• Briarcrest Christian: Briarcrest Christian’s strength is their early dominance in games, building substantial leads that make it difficult for opponents to mount comebacks. Their home-court advantage has been crucial, but they will need to prove their abilities on the road and in neutral-site games in the postseason.

Conclusion

Both Memphis Business Academy and Briarcrest Christian have had strong seasons in 2024-2025, with notable performances from key players. Briarcrest Christian stands out with a superior win percentage and more consistent overall play, while Memphis Business Academy’s scoring potential and ability to close out games should not be underestimated. As both teams continue through the season, their contrasting styles and strengths will make for an exciting finish.