The Cardinal Gibbons (Raleigh, NC) varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against White Oak (Jacksonville, NC) today at 1 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know Basketball:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Cardinal Gibbons vs White Oak
When: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 1:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

White Oak and Cardinal Gibbons: A Tale of Two High School Basketball Programs

As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, two teams are drawing attention for their impressive performances: White Oak and Cardinal Gibbons. Both schools have shown promise, boasting strong records and standout players, but their paths to success have been slightly different. This article takes a deep dive into their performances, team statistics, and common opponents, highlighting the contrasting styles and strengths of each program.

White Oak (24-25): A Strong Start

White Oak High School has had a standout season so far, with a record of 5-1. This impressive performance includes an undefeated 3-0 record at home and a solid 2-1 record away. The team’s scoring average per game is 70.0 points, showcasing a high-powered offense that has been particularly dominant in the fourth quarter, where they average 27.0 points per game. The overall scoring breakdown shows that White Oak excels across all quarters, with 22.0 points in the first quarter, 12.0 in the second, and 16.0 in the third.

On the defensive side, White Oak has allowed 310 points over the course of the season, which averages out to 51.7 points per game. This has resulted in a win percentage of .833, ranking them high among their peers.

Key Players for White Oak

White Oak’s success can be attributed to several key players. Curtis Jackson leads the team with 22.0 points per game, making him a consistent scoring threat. Camron Myers has been a force on the boards, averaging 6.4 rebounds per game. Zarion Hobbs has also contributed significantly, averaging 4.4 assists per game, helping to facilitate the team’s offensive flow. Jackson, with 1.3 steals per game, also plays a crucial role defensively.

Cardinal Gibbons (24-25): A Strong, Balanced Team

Cardinal Gibbons, with a 4-3 overall record, has faced a more challenging schedule but has managed to stay competitive. Their win percentage stands at .571, with a solid 2-0 record in neutral-site games. On the road, they have struggled slightly, posting a 1-2 record. Cardinal Gibbons has a team scoring average of 62.9 points per game, which is lower than White Oak’s but still respectable. Their scoring is more evenly distributed across the four quarters, with an average of 16.0 points in the first quarter, 13.3 in the second, 17.7 in the third, and 13.7 in the fourth.

Defensively, Cardinal Gibbons has allowed 409 points this season, averaging 58.4 points per game. Despite the higher points allowed, their balanced approach to offense and defense has kept them in many games.

Key Players for Cardinal Gibbons

Cardinal Gibbons relies heavily on the performances of their standout player, Cash McSweeney, who leads the team with 15.7 points per game. McSweeney is also a key rebounder, pulling down 11.7 boards per game. Damon Phillips, with 3.7 assists per game, helps to set up the offense and also contributes defensively with 2.0 steals per game. Despite having fewer blocks (0.6 per game) than White Oak, Cardinal Gibbons excels in other areas, particularly in their passing game, with 15.4 assists per game as a team.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When comparing these two teams directly, the statistics tell an interesting story. White Oak has been more efficient in scoring and defensive consistency. Their 5-1 record and strong performances across multiple areas, particularly their offensive output in the fourth quarter, sets them apart from Cardinal Gibbons. The latter, however, has shown resilience and adaptability, especially in neutral-site games where they are undefeated at 2-0.

Common Opponents: A Point of Contrast

Both teams have faced similar opponents, with varying results. White Oak managed a victory against Sanderson on November 23, 2024, winning 63-58, while Cardinal Gibbons lost to Swansboro 77-61 on the same day. These results highlight the differences in how both teams have matched up with shared competition.

Looking ahead, White Oak will face Swansboro again in January, and Cardinal Gibbons has a rematch with Sanderson in February. These games will provide additional insight into how both teams fare against familiar opponents as they continue their seasons.

In-State vs. Out-of-State: The Challenge Ahead

Both teams have focused primarily on in-state competition, with White Oak posting a strong 5-1 record and Cardinal Gibbons finishing at 4-3. Neither team has ventured outside of state lines yet, but as the season progresses, the stakes will rise. These upcoming matchups, including potential playoff runs, will provide a clearer picture of how they compare to teams from outside the region.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Both Teams

Both White Oak and Cardinal Gibbons have shown they can compete at a high level, with each program bringing different strengths to the table. White Oak’s offensive firepower, particularly in the latter stages of games, and their solid overall record make them a formidable force. On the other hand, Cardinal Gibbons’ balanced approach, with strong rebounding and playmaking, suggests that they are a team capable of competing against top-tier opponents. As the season continues, fans can look forward to more exciting matchups and potential playoff appearances for both teams.