The Carolina Friends (Durham, NC) varsity basketball team will host Thales Academy Apex (Apex, NC) in a non-conference game on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 5:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know Basketball:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Carolina Friends vs Thales Academy Apex
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 5:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Thales Academy Apex vs. Carolina Friends: A Basketball Showdown

As the 2024-2025 basketball season heats up, Thales Academy Apex and Carolina Friends face off in a highly anticipated non-conference game on December 13, 2024. The game will be a rematch after Carolina Friends won their previous encounter by a close 50-45 margin on November 22. Let’s dive into the teams’ statistics, their performance so far this season, and what we can expect in this upcoming game.

Team Records and Performance

Thales Academy Apex (1-8, 0-3 Home, 1-4 Away, 0-1 Neutral):
Thales Academy Apex has had a rough start to the season, with a win percentage of just .111. Despite their struggles, the team has been competitive, averaging 46.8 points per game. However, they have been outscored by opponents, allowing an average of 609 points across 9 games. Their offense is led by Gradyn West, who averages 15.8 points per game, followed by Devin Cockerham with 5.8 rebounds per game.

Carolina Friends (2-4, 0-1 Home, 1-2 Away, 1-2 Conference):
Carolina Friends has also had a challenging season, sitting at a .333 win percentage with a total of 259 points scored. The team has been more consistent at home but still struggles to find wins, particularly in conference play. Their most recent victory came against Thales Academy Apex, a win that they will look to replicate. Carolina Friends is led by a balanced team effort, though no standout player has emerged in terms of scoring averages.

Head-to-Head Matchup

In their first meeting, Carolina Friends triumphed 50-45 on November 22, 2024. The game saw both teams struggle offensively, but Carolina Friends was able to edge out the victory. In the upcoming match on December 13, 2024, Thales Academy Apex will be eager to turn the tables, especially on the road, where they have faced significant challenges this season. The game will tip off at 5:30 PM at Carolina Friends’ home court in Durham, NC.

Scoring and Team Comparison

Thales Academy Apex Team Scoring:

• Q1: 6.5
• Q2: 7.5
• Q3: 10.0
• Q4: 14.5
• Final: 43.2

Carolina Friends Team Scoring:

• Q1: 8.0
• Q2: 11.5
• Q3: 12.5
• Q4: 8.5
• Final: 43.2

Both teams are scoring at an average of 43.2 points per game, but their scoring distribution is different. Thales Academy Apex tends to finish strong in the fourth quarter, scoring 14.5 points, while Carolina Friends is more consistent throughout the game, with a particularly strong third quarter.

Key Players to Watch

Thales Academy Apex:

• Gradyn West (15.8 PPG) – A key offensive player for Thales, West’s ability to create scoring opportunities will be crucial for his team to stay competitive.
• Devin Cockerham (5.8 RPG) – Cockerham is a standout in rebounding and will play a vital role in giving his team extra possessions.

Carolina Friends:

• Carolina Friends does not have a single standout scorer, but the team’s collective effort has been their strength. The players’ balance across scoring, rebounding, and assists will be important in matching Thales Academy Apex’s offense.

Looking Ahead

The next few weeks are crucial for both teams as they navigate their respective schedules. Thales Academy Apex will face several tough opponents, including St. Thomas More Academy, while Carolina Friends will look to bounce back from a loss to the same team earlier this season. Both teams have shown flashes of potential but will need to improve in various areas, including defense and consistency, to have a successful season.

The December 13 game will be an exciting opportunity for Thales Academy Apex to avenge their loss and build momentum. Carolina Friends, on the other hand, will look to prove that their early season success wasn’t a fluke. It’s a game that both teams can’t afford to take lightly, as every win matters in the competitive landscape of high school basketball.

Stay tuned for more updates as these two teams continue their journeys through the 2024-2025 season.