The Brother Rice varsity basketball team (Chicago, IL) will host a conference game against Fenwick (Oak Park, IL) on Friday, January 31, at 7 PM.
Brother Rice vs Fenwick Game Info:
What: Illinois High School Basketball
Who: Brother Rice (IL) vs Fenwick (IL)
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Brother Rice High School
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Brother Rice vs Fenwick
The Fenwick Friars and Brother Rice Crusaders are set for a highly anticipated conference clash on January 31st. Both teams have had impressive seasons, with Brother Rice holding a 20-3 overall record and Fenwick close behind at 17-6. This matchup will be critical in shaping the conference standings as both teams aim to assert their dominance.
Team Performance and Rankings
Brother Rice boasts a strong national and state ranking, placing 62nd nationally, 4th in Illinois, and 2nd in their class. Fenwick, while not as highly ranked, still holds an impressive 31st place in Illinois and 8th in their class. These rankings showcase Brother Rice’s dominance this season, but Fenwick remains a formidable opponent capable of an upset.
Head-to-Head Matchup
The two teams met earlier in the season on November 30th, with Brother Rice securing a convincing 65-47 victory. Fenwick started strong, leading after the first quarter, but Brother Rice took control in the second and maintained their momentum throughout the game.
Previous Matchup Breakdown
Quarter | Fenwick | Brother Rice |
---|---|---|
Q1 | 12 | 9 |
Q2 | 8 | 16 |
Q3 | 13 | 20 |
Q4 | 14 | 20 |
Final | 47 | 65 |
Brother Rice’s ability to dominate the later quarters will be something Fenwick must address in their upcoming game.
Statistical Comparison
Category | Fenwick | Brother Rice |
Overall Record | 17-6 | 20-3 |
Conference Record | 4-1 | 3-1 |
Home Record | 7-2 | 5-1 |
Away Record | 3-1 | 4-2 |
Neutral Record | 7-3 | 11-0 |
Win % | .739 | .870 |
Points For (PF) | 1,259 | 1,430 |
Points Against (PA) | 979 | 1,112 |
Brother Rice maintains a higher scoring average (62.2 PPG) compared to Fenwick (54.7 PPG), with stronger performances in the first and third quarters. If Fenwick hopes to turn the tide, they will need to improve their scoring consistency throughout the game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar competition, with Brother Rice slightly outperforming Fenwick against common opponents. Brother Rice holds a 6-2 record in these matchups, while Fenwick is 5-3. Notable results include:
- Bolingbrook: Brother Rice won 72-71, while Fenwick lost 54-48.
- Loyola Academy: Brother Rice won 40-34, whereas Fenwick lost 45-34.
- DePaul College Prep: Brother Rice won 53-52, but Fenwick has yet to play them.
Fenwick, however, had a dominant win over Chicago Mt. Carmel (71-58), a margin larger than any Brother Rice has achieved.
Keys to Victory
Fenwick:
- Stronger Second Quarter: Fenwick struggled in the second quarter in their previous matchup, allowing Brother Rice to gain momentum. A more disciplined defensive approach will be critical.
- Defensive Adjustments: Brother Rice outscored Fenwick significantly in the latter quarters. Shoring up their defense will help them stay competitive.
- Capitalizing on Home Court: Although playing away, Fenwick must approach this game with the same intensity they bring to their home performances.
Brother Rice:
- Maintaining Offensive Efficiency: With an average of 62.2 points per game, they must continue their aggressive offensive approach.
- Third-Quarter Domination: Brother Rice’s ability to control the third quarter will be crucial in putting Fenwick on the back foot.
- Balanced Scoring: Spreading the scoring among multiple players will make it harder for Fenwick to focus defensively on a single threat.
Final Thoughts
This game is set to be an intense battle between two strong teams looking to solidify their place in the conference standings. While Brother Rice enters as the favorite given their previous victory and overall record, Fenwick has shown resilience and the ability to compete against top-tier opponents. If Fenwick can adjust defensively and stay consistent in scoring, they have a chance to pull off an upset. However, if Brother Rice continues their offensive dominance, they are likely to come away with another win.