The Carlisle (PA) varsity basketball team will host Central Dauphin (Harrisburg, PA) in a home conference game today at 7:30 PM.

Game Details:

• Event: CDHS vs Carlisle Basketball Game
• Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM
• Location: Carlisle High School
• Live stream: Watch Here

Central Dauphin vs. Carlisle: A Battle of Two Strong PA Teams

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, two powerhouse teams from Pennsylvania’s District 3—Central Dauphin and Carlisle—are making waves with their stellar performances. Both schools have demonstrated strong records, each vying for supremacy in their league and overall standings. Let’s dive into the teams’ season statistics, recent matchups, and what to expect as they prepare for their next encounter.

Team Overview

Central Dauphin (12-2 overall, 7-1 conference)
The Central Dauphin Rams have been in excellent form this season. With an overall win percentage of .857 and a conference record of .875, they have shown both resilience and dominance, especially when playing on their home court (5-1) and away (6-1). Their offensive firepower has been on full display, averaging 65.9 points per game. They lead in several key areas, including rebounds (27.4), assists (16.3), steals (8.7), and blocks (3.8).

Notable standout Wayne Fletcher II has been the driving force, with a remarkable 21.1 points per game, making him a key figure in the team’s success. His presence in both offense and defense (7.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game) is invaluable for the Rams.

Carlisle (8-4 overall, 5-3 conference)
The Carlisle Thundering Herd have also shown their strength this season, although they’ve faced more challenges, especially in conference play with a 5-3 record. Their overall win percentage stands at .667, with a home record of 4-2 and an away record of 3-2. Carlisle averages 59.3 points per game, with strong performances from their defense. Despite a few losses, the team has been consistent, and players like Shakur Starling have stepped up, averaging 3.6 assists per game.

Head-to-Head: Central Dauphin vs. Carlisle

In their most recent encounter on December 13, 2024, Central Dauphin triumphed over Carlisle in a thrilling 67-66 finish. Carlisle came out strong in the first half, leading 17-18 in the first quarter and holding a slim 29-31 lead at halftime. However, Central Dauphin dominated in the third quarter, scoring 19 points, and although Carlisle tried to catch up with a solid fourth-quarter effort, they fell just short.

This game highlighted the competitive nature between these two teams and sets the stage for their next showdown on January 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM. With both teams coming into the game with fresh momentum, it promises to be another exciting chapter in this rivalry.

Team Statistics Comparison

Scoring:
Central Dauphin averages 65.6 points per game, while Carlisle averages 59.3. Central Dauphin has a slight edge in scoring but should expect a tough challenge from Carlisle’s defense.

Rebounds:
Both teams are strong on the boards, but Central Dauphin holds the advantage with 27.4 rebounds per game compared to Carlisle’s 24.7.

Assists:
Central Dauphin’s 16.3 assists per game showcases their effective ball movement, led by Wayne Fletcher II with 3.6 assists per game.

Steals & Blocks:
Central Dauphin also leads in steals (8.7 per game) and blocks (3.8 per game), where Fletcher again makes an impact defensively.

Record Breakdown: Common Opponents

Looking at their performance against common opponents provides further insight into how these two teams stack up. Both teams have faced District 3 rivals such as Central Dauphin East, Chambersburg, Cumberland Valley, and Harrisburg.

• Central Dauphin has been dominant against teams like Central Dauphin East (W 78-56, W 69-49) and Chambersburg (W 60-55).
• Carlisle has had mixed results against the same teams, with wins over Central Dauphin East (W 68-37) but a loss to Chambersburg (L 73-46).

Looking Ahead

With their regular-season record so far, both teams are positioning themselves for a strong finish. Central Dauphin’s robust offensive and defensive stats make them the favorites heading into the next game, but Carlisle’s competitive spirit and ability to push high-scoring teams like State College and Harrisburg (with a recent 57-55 win) could create an upset.

As the season unfolds, both teams will continue to challenge themselves with their conference schedules. Central Dauphin and Carlisle have proven to be among the best in the region, and with their shared history and competitive edge, this rivalry is one basketball fans will not want to miss.

Conclusion

The upcoming January 17 game will be a critical one for both teams, with Central Dauphin looking to build on its recent victory and Carlisle aiming to avenge their close defeat from December. With key players like Wayne Fletcher II leading Central Dauphin and Shakur Starling helping to guide Carlisle, expect this contest to be a hard-fought battle with plenty of drama. Fans can expect another thrilling match as these two teams continue to show why they’re among the top basketball programs in Pennsylvania.