The 2024-2025 high school basketball season is well underway, and two teams making waves are Cardinal Ritter College Prep and Corner Canyon. Despite differing records, both teams showcase impressive individual players and team statistics that make them exciting to watch. Let’s break down their performances and key comparisons.

Cardinal Ritter College Prep (1-4)

Cardinal Ritter College Prep has had a rough start to the season, with an overall record of 1-4. The team has struggled on the road, where they’ve yet to secure a victory (0-2), and have a mixed record on neutral courts (0-1). However, at home, Cardinal Ritter has found success, posting a 1-1 record. Despite their challenges, the team remains competitive, averaging 51.4 points per game, though they’ve allowed an average of 272 points throughout their games.

Key Players:

• Noah Bendinger has been a standout for the team, averaging 25.2 points per game. He has also contributed defensively, with 2 steals per game.
• Mo Brown, with 7.2 rebounds per game, has been crucial in the paint, while Bryton Valdes leads the team in assists with 7.3 per game.

Corner Canyon (4-2)

Corner Canyon, based in Utah, has had a strong showing this season with a 4-2 record. The team has proven to be dominant at home, with a perfect 3-0 record on their home court. However, they’ve faced difficulties in neutral-site games, going 1-2. Overall, Corner Canyon has averaged 66.3 points per game, a significant improvement over Cardinal Ritter’s scoring output. They have managed to limit opponents to 321 points, showing strong defensive capabilities.

Key Players:

• Josh Tolman has been an asset for Corner Canyon on both ends of the floor, leading the team with 1.0 blocks per game.
• Bryton Valdes, with 7.3 assists per game, has proven to be a playmaker, while Mo Brown continues to provide a solid presence on the boards.

Statistical Comparison

The comparison of both teams’ statistics reveals some intriguing differences:

• Scoring: Corner Canyon significantly outpaces Cardinal Ritter, averaging 66.3 points per game compared to Cardinal Ritter’s 51.4.
• Rebounds: Cardinal Ritter’s Mo Brown has had an impact with 7.2 rebounds per game, but Corner Canyon’s balanced approach (31.0 rebounds per game) ensures a stronger presence on the glass.
• Assists and Steals: Cardinal Ritter’s Bryton Valdes is a playmaking machine with 7.3 assists per game, while Noah Bendinger also contributes with 2 steals per game. Corner Canyon, however, boasts a more complete team effort, with a solid 14.8 assists per game.

Head-to-Head and Record Breakdown

• Overall Record: Cardinal Ritter has struggled with a 1-4 record, while Corner Canyon has been more successful, with a 4-2 record.
• Home vs. Away: Cardinal Ritter has seen some success at home but has not been able to replicate it on the road, whereas Corner Canyon is undefeated at home (3-0).
• Playoff and Non-Playoff Games: Neither team has played in the playoffs yet, but Corner Canyon’s 4-1 out-of-state record shows their ability to compete on a broader scale.

Final Thoughts

While both teams have their strengths, Corner Canyon appears to be the stronger of the two based on their solid 4-2 record and offensive output. Cardinal Ritter, despite its struggles, has a few key players who can lead them to success in future games. As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to improve their records and make an impact in their respective leagues.

The matchups between these two teams will be an exciting battle of contrasting styles: Corner Canyon’s high-scoring offense and balanced team play against Cardinal Ritter’s standout individual performances. Fans can expect more thrilling basketball as these teams continue their journeys.