The Blue Ridge varsity basketball team from St. George, VA, will face from Columbia, SC, in a neutral non-conference game on Friday, December 27, at 2:20 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Cardinal Newman vs Blue Ridge
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 2:20. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Cardinal Newman vs Blue Ridge
As the 2024-2025 Virginia high school basketball season unfolds, Blue Ridge has emerged as a dominant force in Division 2. With an undefeated 11-0 record, including a flawless 4-0 in regional play, the team has established itself as a powerhouse. In comparison, Cardinal Newman (SC) shows a respectable 5-4 record but falls short of matching Blue Ridge’s overall performance and consistency.
Team Performance Overview
Blue Ridge: The Undefeated Contender
Blue Ridge’s perfect start is bolstered by their ability to outscore opponents with a team average of 68.8 points per game. Their defensive strength is equally commendable, allowing only 556 points across 11 games. Blue Ridge excels in several key areas:
- Scoring Efficiency: Led by #14 Dreylan Creasy-Quirindoongo with 17.3 points per game, Blue Ridge demonstrates a balanced offensive attack.
- Rebounding Dominance: The team averages 35.8 rebounds per game, with D’Myo Hunter contributing 5.0 rebounds per game.
- Playmaking Ability: Blue Ridge’s 17.1 assists per game are spearheaded by Austin Agosto Navarro (4.5 APG).
Cardinal Newman: A Competitive Challenger
Cardinal Newman, while competitive, has struggled to maintain consistency, with a 5-4 record and a 59.6-point scoring average. Key players like Elton Smith Jr. (20.1 PPG and 12.3 RPG) keep the team competitive, but they lag behind in key metrics like assists (11.7 APG) and blocks (2.9 BPG).
Their season highlights include solid performances in neutral-site games (2-1) and strong individual efforts. However, their away record (1-2) indicates challenges on the road.
Head-to-Head & Common Opponents
Although Blue Ridge and Cardinal Newman have not faced each other, comparisons can be drawn from their common opponent, Ambassador Christian School. Blue Ridge secured a decisive 71-63 victory against this team, showcasing their dominance. Cardinal Newman has yet to play them.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Cardinal Newman | Blue Ridge |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 59.6 | 68.8 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 30.2 | 35.8 |
| Assists Per Game | 11.7 | 17.1 |
| Steals Per Game | 6.0 | 8.4 |
| Blocks Per Game | 2.9 | 4.5 |
Blue Ridge’s advantage in assists and blocks demonstrates their ability to control both offensive and defensive aspects of the game, further emphasizing their well-rounded team structure.
Player Impact
For Cardinal Newman, Elton Smith Jr. stands out as a dominant force, leading the team in both scoring and rebounding. However, Blue Ridge counters with a more balanced lineup, including the contributions of Dreylan Creasy-Quirindoongo and D’Myo Hunter, who excel across multiple facets of the game.
Outlook
Blue Ridge’s early success solidifies their reputation as a top contender in Division 2, with a blend of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity. Cardinal Newman, while strong, will need to address inconsistencies, particularly in away games, to compete at a higher level.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Blue Ridge to see if they can maintain their unbeaten streak and Cardinal Newman to see if they can rise to the challenge.
