The St. Thomas More Academy varsity basketball team (Raleigh, NC) will play a home tournament game against Brunswick Academy (Lawrenceville, VA) today at 12 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Brunswick Academy vs St. Thomas More Academy
When: Today, December 14, 2024
Time: 12:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Brunswick Academy vs St. Thomas More Academy
The basketball season is in full swing, and two schools are making their mark with impressive records and standout players: Brunswick Academy from Virginia and St. Thomas More Academy from North Carolina. With contrasting win-loss records, team stats, and individual performances, let’s take a deep dive into what makes these two teams tick.
Brunswick Academy: Dominating the Court
Brunswick Academy has been the team to beat this season. With an impressive 10-2 overall record, they are off to a strong start. Their dominance is evident in their regional performance, boasting a perfect 2-0 record, and their home court advantage, where they have posted a solid 7-2 record. With a win percentage of .833, the team has consistently shown they are a formidable force in their league.
Brunswick’s scoring prowess is notable, averaging 66.0 points per game. Their scoring balance throughout the quarters is remarkable, starting strong with an average of 34.5 points in Q1, followed by 13.8 in Q2, 12.3 in Q3, and maintaining a solid 9.8 points in Q4. The team’s depth is reflected in their total of 792 points scored so far this season, with only 534 points allowed.
Leading the team is Joseph DeGuzman, who stands out with a stellar 20.0 points per game. His leadership extends beyond scoring, as he also leads the team in assists per game (4.6) and steals per game (2.6). On the boards, Dominic Mack pulls down an impressive 8.8 rebounds per game and also contributes defensively with 0.8 blocks per game.
St. Thomas More Academy: Struggling but Resilient
On the other hand, St. Thomas More Academy is experiencing a more challenging season with a 5-5 overall record. Their conference record is less than ideal at 0-1, and they’ve faced some difficulties in both their home (3-2) and away (1-3) games. Despite these setbacks, the team is showing resilience, with a .500 win percentage overall and 506 points scored against 511 points allowed.
Offensively, the team averages 50.6 points per game, which is significantly lower than Brunswick’s. Their scoring is more balanced across the quarters, with an average of 18.0 points in Q1, followed by 15.0 in Q2, 14.3 in Q3, and 15.5 in Q4. While they haven’t been able to close games as strongly as Brunswick, their ability to keep the score competitive is notable.
The standout player for St. Thomas More is Joseph DeGuzman’s counterpart, Anthony McLeod, who contributes 5.4 points per game. Though not as prolific as DeGuzman, McLeod is a key figure for the team. He is complemented by Tyler Harris, who leads the team with 2.9 rebounds per game.
Comparing the Stats: A Team of Contrasts
The statistical comparison between these two teams reveals a clear divide in their performances:
- Points Per Game: Brunswick Academy leads with 38.1 points per game, compared to St. Thomas More Academy’s 22.6.
- Assists: Brunswick also excels in this area, averaging 7.7 assists per game, which far exceeds St. Thomas More’s 1.1.
- Steals: Brunswick again takes the advantage with 7.0 steals per game, while St. Thomas More averages 1.0.
- Blocks: In terms of defensive presence, both teams have similar numbers, with Brunswick averaging 0.6 blocks per game and St. Thomas More 0.3.
Record Breakdown: Wins, Losses, and Key Insights
- Head-to-Head Record: These two teams have yet to face each other this season, and no common opponents have been recorded, making their potential matchup even more intriguing.
- In-State vs. Out-of-State Games: Brunswick Academy has found success within their state, posting a 6-2 record in-state, while St. Thomas More Academy, which has faced only out-of-state competition, has had a balanced 5-5 record.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Playoffs
Both teams are gearing up for the latter half of the season, and despite the differences in their current records, each team has areas to build on. Brunswick Academy will look to maintain their dominance and secure a strong position in their region, while St. Thomas More Academy aims to turn their fortunes around and compete at a higher level.
The road to the playoffs will undoubtedly be a thrilling ride for both teams. Will Brunswick Academy continue to assert their dominance, or will St. Thomas More Academy find a way to bounce back and shock their opponents? Only time will tell, but basketball fans should keep an eye on these two squads as the season progresses.