As the high school basketball season heats up in West Virginia, two teams are beginning to make their mark in the state. Calvary Baptist Academy (CBA) from Hurricane and Victory Baptist Academy (VBA) from Beaver are both riding strong records and competitive spirits, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.

Calvary Baptist Academy: Dominating the Court

With a perfect 5-0 overall record, Calvary Baptist Academy is leading the charge in the region. Their performance on both ends of the court has been exceptional, boasting an impressive 1.000 win percentage across both their overall and regional games. The team’s strong defense and fast-paced offense have made them a tough competitor, with 79.8 points per game (PPG) on average—outpacing their opponents by a significant margin.

Key players like Bryson Childers have been pivotal in this success. Childers, the team’s top scorer, is averaging 17.8 points per game, and he also leads in rebounds, grabbing 9.2 boards per contest. He’s also recorded 1.4 blocks per game, contributing to CBA’s impressive defensive stats. The team’s high-scoring offense is complemented by solid playmaking from players like Owen Good, who dishes out 5.8 assists per game.

Calvary’s offensive production is spread across the team, but the consistency of their scoring, including high first-quarter averages (21.3 points), helps them build an early lead, and they rarely give it up. The team also leads in rebounds (37.8 RPG) and steals (18.0 SPG), further demonstrating their aggressive, full-court style of play.

Victory Baptist Academy: A Force to Be Reckoned With

While Calvary Baptist Academy is undefeated, Victory Baptist Academy is not far behind with a 5-1 overall record. With a win percentage of .833, VBA’s only loss came in a hard-fought game against Grace Christian earlier in the season. Their offense, led by Noah Childers (13.8 PPG), averages 60.8 points per game, and their defense has been reliable, allowing an average of 53.0 points to opponents.

While they may not score as prolifically as CBA, VBA’s efficiency and ability to win close games has earned them respect in the state. They are strong in key statistical areas like assists, where they average 11.0 per game, and steals, with a team average of 15.8 SPG. The team’s key players also contribute significantly on the boards, with Isaac Conaway leading the way in rebounds (8.7 RPG).

Victory’s defense has been a major factor in their success. Their game against Cross Lanes Christian, where they won 44-23, showed how the VBA defense stifles opponents’ offenses. Despite their lower scoring, their defensive grit keeps games within reach, and they have shown the ability to close out tough games on the road.

Head-to-Head and Upcoming Showdowns

The two teams will face off in a highly anticipated conference game on February 8, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Academy, and this could be a defining moment for both teams as they battle for regional supremacy. The game will be a rematch, as the two teams are scheduled to meet again in early February at Victory Baptist Academy. Calvary’s explosive offense will be pitted against Victory’s tough defense, making this matchup one to watch for fans of West Virginia high school basketball.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with CBA holding a perfect 4-0 record against these teams, while VBA is 3-1. Notable victories for both teams include wins over Mount Hope Christian Academy, Cross Lanes Christian, and Bloomingdale. However, their performance against each other’s common opponents offers clues as to how the upcoming matchups might unfold. For example, Victory secured a win over Grace Christian Academy, while Calvary continues to show dominance over teams like Bloomingdale, beating them by a lopsided score of 90-29.

Team Comparisons

Scoring:

• Calvary Baptist Academy: 79.8 PPG
• Victory Baptist Academy: 60.8 PPG

Rebounding:

• Calvary Baptist Academy: 37.8 RPG
• Victory Baptist Academy: 33.5 RPG

Assists:

• Calvary Baptist Academy: 22.4 APG
• Victory Baptist Academy: 11.0 APG

Steals:

• Calvary Baptist Academy: 18.0 SPG
• Victory Baptist Academy: 15.8 SPG

Blocks:

• Calvary Baptist Academy: 3.0 BPG
• Victory Baptist Academy: 0.8 BPG

While Calvary outpaces Victory in nearly every statistical category, Victory’s resilience and ability to keep games close, especially against strong opponents, suggests they will not back down easily.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, both Calvary Baptist Academy and Victory Baptist Academy have shown that they are teams to watch in West Virginia high school basketball. Whether it’s CBA’s high-scoring offense or VBA’s solid defense, these two teams will be a central focus as they move forward, culminating in their upcoming head-to-head battles. Fans of the sport can look forward to a thrilling and intense rivalry that could decide the region’s best team by season’s end.