The New Kent (VA) varsity basketball team will host Bruton (Williamsburg, VA) for a conference game on Friday, January 31, at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Bruton vs New Kent
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Bruton vs New Kent

As the 2024-2025 Virginia high school basketball season continues to unfold, the spotlight shines on two powerhouse teams from the area: Bruton and New Kent. With standout records and star players, these teams are not only battling for regional supremacy but also setting the stage for a thrilling postseason. Here’s a look at how these teams are shaping up as they head into a crucial conference game.

Bruton’s Solid Campaign

Bruton High School has put together an impressive 10-4 overall record and a 7-3 mark in region play. The team has shown a strong performance at home, securing a 6-2 record, while also maintaining a respectable 4-2 record on the road. Their season has been defined by offensive consistency, averaging 63.9 points per game. However, they’ve faced a few challenges along the way, suffering losses to top-tier teams like Grafton (72-59) and Smithfield (80-78). Despite these setbacks, Bruton has proven resilient, with star player Brandon Freeman leading the charge in multiple categories. Freeman, averaging 11.3 points per game, has been a key contributor on both ends of the floor, also contributing 4.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.

New Kent’s Unblemished Record

In stark contrast, New Kent has been absolutely dominant in the 2024-2025 season. They boast an undefeated 15-0 overall record, and even more impressively, a perfect 11-0 record within their region. Their offense has been high-octane, averaging 81 points per game, and their defense has been equally potent, holding opponents to just 56.5 points per game. Led by Will Ross, who’s averaging a stellar 20.3 points per game, New Kent has defeated notable teams with ease, including Tabb (95-42), Grafton (67-62), and Smithfield (85-79). With a full roster firing on all cylinders, the team is proving to be an elite contender in Virginia high school basketball.

A Thrilling Head-to-Head Battle

The most exciting part of the Bruton-New Kent rivalry came on December 18, 2024, when the two teams met for an intense conference game. New Kent emerged victorious in overtime with a 63-61 win. Despite trailing early, Bruton fought hard, particularly in the second half, but New Kent’s timely scoring and defensive prowess proved too much to overcome. In that game, New Kent’s Will Ross put on a clinic, while Bruton’s Freeman kept his team in it. The result left Bruton with a chip on their shoulder, eager for redemption in their upcoming rematch.

Key Matchup to Watch

As the two teams prepare for their next encounter on January 31, 2025, all eyes will be on how Bruton can adapt and respond to New Kent’s high-scoring offense and solid defense. Bruton’s defense will need to step up in a major way to contain New Kent’s star players, including Ross and Kyle Diggs, who is also a force on the boards and defensively. Meanwhile, New Kent will look to continue their impressive form and further solidify their position as the top team in the region.

Team Stat Comparison

Here’s a look at the team stats for Bruton and New Kent:

As shown in the comparison, New Kent outpaces Bruton in nearly every statistical category, but Bruton has been competitive in points scored and overall team play.

Key Players

• Bruton: Brandon Freeman Freeman is undoubtedly the leader for Bruton, contributing in all areas of the game. His ability to score, rebound, and assist makes him one of the top all-around players in the region.
• New Kent: Will Ross Ross has been sensational for New Kent, putting up over 20 points per game and anchoring their offense. His leadership on the court has been instrumental to the team’s flawless season.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against several common opponents this season, with New Kent having a clean sweep in these matchups (10-0), while Bruton holds a solid 7-2 record against the same teams. Here are some of the notable games:

• Bruton vs. Tabb (December 4, 2024) – Bruton won 74-43.
• New Kent vs. Tabb (December 13, 2024) – New Kent won 95-42.
• Bruton vs. Warhill (December 6, 2024) – Bruton won 51-45.
• New Kent vs. Warhill (January 15, 2025) – New Kent won 77-70.
• Bruton vs. Smithfield (December 11, 2024) – Bruton lost 80-78.
• New Kent vs. Smithfield (January 10, 2025) – New Kent won 85-79.

Conclusion

As Bruton and New Kent prepare for their next head-to-head matchup, it’s clear that both teams bring distinct strengths to the table. Bruton’s grit and star player Freeman could make for an exciting contest, but New Kent’s undefeated record and firepower behind Ross make them the team to beat. The upcoming game will certainly be one to watch, as both teams aim to assert their dominance in Virginia high school basketball.