The Burke High School varsity basketball team from Charleston, SC, will face off against Pennsbury High School from Fairless Hills, PA, in a neutral tournament game. The matchup is scheduled for Friday, December 27, 2024, at 7:30 PM as part of the Modie Risher Tournament.
Here’s what you need Basketball to know:
What: South Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Burke vs Pennsbury
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
A Tale of Two Teams: Pennsbury vs. Burke – A Season in Review
As the 2024-25 basketball season unfolds, Pennsbury and Burke present two distinct narratives. While both teams show promise, their performance metrics, records, and team dynamics highlight the contrasting journeys of these squads.
Team Records & Rankings
Pennsbury holds an overall record of 3-4, with a conference standing of 2-1. Their win percentage of .429 reflects a team in the midst of building consistency, especially with a point differential of -20 (347 points scored vs. 367 allowed). Nationally, they are ranked 383rd, placing them 94th in their class.
On the other hand, Burke boasts an impressive 8-2 overall record, backed by a stellar .800 win percentage. Ranked 59th nationally and 6th in their class, Burke demonstrates dominance with a remarkable +69 point differential (725 points scored vs. 656 allowed).
Scoring Trends
When it comes to scoring averages, Burke far outpaces Pennsbury. Burke averages an explosive 72.5 points per game compared to Pennsbury’s 49.6. This disparity is evident in scoring by quarters. Burke consistently performs at a high level across all quarters, peaking in the fourth quarter with 20.6 points. Pennsbury’s scoring is steadier, with their best performance coming in the second quarter (18.0 points).
Statistical Comparison
Burke dominates in nearly all statistical categories:
- Points Per Game: Burke (72.5) > Pennsbury (49.6)
- Rebounds Per Game: Burke (33.3)
- Assists Per Game: Burke (12.0)
- Steals Per Game: Burke (15.1)
- Blocks Per Game: Burke (2.4)
Team Leaders
For Pennsbury, #14 Juel Mack is a standout player, leading the team in several key metrics:
- Points Per Game: 22.9
- Rebounds Per Game: 11.2
- Steals Per Game: 3.1
- Blocks Per Game: 1.4
Mack’s all-around contributions make him an invaluable asset, but Pennsbury lacks additional players contributing at a similar level. #3 Melachi Singleton adds 3.1 assists per game, but the team needs greater balance to compete with elite opponents.
In contrast, Burke relies on a more collective effort, as evidenced by their superior team averages in nearly all categories. The team’s depth allows them to maintain consistency and resilience, even in high-pressure games.
Common Opponents & Record Breakdown
Both teams share a loss against Central Bucks East, with Pennsbury losing by a single point (56-55) and Burke yet to face them again this season. Against North Charleston, Burke suffered a decisive loss (73-50), while Pennsbury’s matchup is still pending.
Pennsbury’s home record (2-1) and conference record (2-1) indicate that they perform better on familiar turf. However, their away record (1-2) and non-league struggles (1-3) highlight challenges when stepping outside their comfort zone.
Burke, in contrast, thrives in all environments. Their non-league record of 8-1 and strong showing both at home (2-0) and on the road (3-1) illustrate their adaptability.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsbury’s Strengths: Juel Mack is a dominant individual player, but the team needs a stronger supporting cast to elevate their performance.
- Burke’s Dominance: With depth, consistency, and a balanced attack, Burke proves why they are a top-60 team nationally. Their ability to perform under various circumstances sets them apart.
- Growth Opportunities: Pennsbury must find ways to improve their scoring consistency and defensive resilience, especially in non-conference play.
As the season progresses, these two teams will continue to evolve. While Pennsbury fights for stability and consistency, Burke looks poised to make a deeper impact at the state and national levels. Whether it’s Pennsbury’s rising stars or Burke’s collective strength, both teams offer exciting narratives for basketball fans to follow.