As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season unfolds in Washington, D.C., two standout teams, Cardozo and McKinley Tech, are making waves in both league and non-league play. While the season is still young, both teams have shown impressive results and potential as they look to make a mark in their respective conferences and beyond. Let’s break down the current standings, team stats, and individual performances that have defined their seasons so far.

Team Records and Standings

Cardozo (2-1 overall) Cardozo has kicked off its season with a solid 2-1 record, showcasing a promising mix of offense and defense. With a .667 win percentage, they have managed to score 226 points while allowing 199. The team has been particularly strong at home, where they boast a perfect 2-0 record, but their away performance has yet to be tested with no away games so far.

McKinley Tech (5-0 overall, 2-0 league) On the other hand, McKinley Tech has been perfect so far, with a flawless 5-0 record. Their dominance extends to league play, where they are 2-0 and have been impressive in both scoring and defense. McKinley Tech’s defense has been particularly stingy, allowing just 174 points across all games. With a potent offense scoring 332 points already, they are proving themselves as a powerhouse early in the season.

Scoring Averages

Cardozo Cardozo has averaged 75.3 points per game, a high figure that reflects the team’s offensive capabilities. Although the specific breakdown of their scoring by quarters isn’t available, the team has shown they can put up significant numbers when needed, as evidenced by their strong home performances.

McKinley Tech McKinley Tech has posted an average of 66.4 points per game. Their scoring tends to peak in the second quarter, where they average 30 points, while their performance dips slightly in the third and fourth quarters. This balanced scoring approach, especially in the first half, has allowed them to secure comfortable victories, including a dominating 52-25 win against Friendship Collegiate Academy.

Team Stats Comparison

In terms of overall team stats, McKinley Tech appears to be more dominant, particularly in scoring and rebounding. They have averaged 21.3 rebounds per game, significantly more than Cardozo’s 6.3, which gives them a clear advantage in terms of possession and second-chance opportunities. Cardozo, however, has shown more efficiency in assists, with 6.3 assists per game compared to McKinley Tech’s 1.1.

Individual Player Highlights

Cardozo

• DaMontae Neclos has been a standout player, leading the team with 26.3 points per game. He also contributes 3 assists per game, making him an all-around threat.
• Marcus Dunbar, another key contributor, leads the team in rebounds with 9.3 per game, showcasing his dominance in the paint.

McKinley Tech

• DaMontae Neclos has been a force for Cardozo, but McKinley Tech’s standout player is Tyrone Davis, who averages 5.3 points per game. While not as dominant in scoring as Neclos, Davis has been consistent in contributing to his team’s success.
• Marcus Dunbar, a key defender and rebounder for Cardozo, will likely be challenged by McKinley Tech’s aggressive rebounding and physical play.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents already, with McKinley Tech winning all three of their encounters, including decisive victories over Bell and Bard. In comparison, Cardozo has yet to face these teams but has upcoming games scheduled against similar opponents like Roosevelt, Banneker, and Bell. It will be interesting to see how these head-to-head matchups play out, especially given McKinley Tech’s early dominance in these contests.

Looking Ahead

The remainder of the season holds exciting potential for both teams. Cardozo will look to continue their strong home performances while testing their mettle on the road, beginning with upcoming matchups against Roosevelt and Banneker. McKinley Tech, riding their undefeated record, will aim to extend their dominance in both league and non-league games, with crucial matchups against teams like Roosevelt and School Without Walls.

As the season progresses, the competition will intensify, and both teams will need to sharpen their skills to secure playoff berths. With their current trajectories, it is clear that Cardozo and McKinley Tech will be central to the conversation in D.C. high school basketball this year.

Stay tuned as these two powerhouse programs continue their seasons and vie for the top spots in the district!