The Central Dauphin varsity basketball team from Harrisburg, PA, will host State College (PA) in a home conference game on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 6:30 PM.
Here’s what you need Basketball to know:
What: Pennsylvania High School Basketball
Who: Central Dauphin vs State College
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 6:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
State College vs. Central Dauphin: A High-Stakes Conference Matchup
As the 2024-25 high school basketball season unfolds, two Pennsylvania powerhouses, State College and Central Dauphin, are gearing up for an exciting pair of conference matchups. With both teams boasting strong records and standout performances, fans can expect intense competition on January 10 and February 5. Here’s a closer look at the teams’ rankings, stats, and key players as they prepare to face off.
Team Overviews
State College (6-4 Overall, 2-3 Conference)
State College has had a solid season so far, with a .600 win percentage. Their strength lies in their home performance (5-2), though they’ve struggled on the road (1-2). Offensively, they average 56.4 points per game, with consistent scoring across all four quarters. However, their conference record (2-3) indicates room for improvement in critical matchups.
Central Dauphin (9-1 Overall, 4-1 Conference)
Central Dauphin has been a dominant force this season, boasting a .900 win percentage and an undefeated 5-0 record on the road. Their balanced scoring (67.0 points per game) and strong conference record (4-1) position them as one of the top teams in the state. Central Dauphin also leads in key areas such as rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, making them a well-rounded and formidable opponent.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | State College | Central Dauphin |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 50.4 | 66.6 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 22.7 | 26.1 |
| Assists Per Game | 12.5 | 16.2 |
| Steals Per Game | 5.5 | 8.7 |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.6 | 4.1 |
Central Dauphin holds the statistical edge in every major category, underscoring their dominance on both ends of the court.
Key Players to Watch
State College
- #10 Reed Melvin: The team’s top scorer, averaging 17.6 points per game, Melvin is the centerpiece of State College’s offense and a key player to watch.
- #11 Charlie Yartz: A versatile player, Yartz leads the team in rebounds (5.0), assists (3.3), and steals (1.5), making significant contributions across the board.
Central Dauphin
- #2 Wayne Fletcher II: A standout performer, Fletcher leads Central Dauphin in points (19.8), rebounds (6.4), and steals (1.7). His all-around play has been instrumental to the team’s success.
- #21 Johnny Shiery: With an average of 2.0 blocks per game, Shiery anchors the defense and adds a crucial dimension to Central Dauphin’s game plan.
- #11 Shakur Starling: Leading the team in assists (3.9), Starling is a key facilitator for the offense.
Common Opponent Analysis
Both teams have faced a similar slate of opponents, but Central Dauphin has been more successful, with a 4-1 record against common foes compared to State College’s 2-3. Central Dauphin’s victories include a close win against Harrisburg (59-55) and a nail-biter against Carlisle (67-66), while State College fell short against both teams.
Game Previews
January 10 @ Central Dauphin
Central Dauphin will have the home-court advantage and the momentum of their strong season performance. State College will need to bring their best defensive effort to contain Wayne Fletcher II and capitalize on opportunities to score in transition.
February 5 @ State College
The second matchup will shift to State College’s home turf, where they’ve been significantly stronger. The outcome of the first game will likely influence the strategies and adjustments for this rematch.
What’s at Stake?
This series has significant implications for conference standings and postseason seeding. Central Dauphin will look to solidify their dominance in the conference, while State College aims to improve their record and make a statement with an upset.
Prediction
Based on current stats and trends, Central Dauphin appears to have the upper hand in both matchups. However, basketball is unpredictable, and if State College can tighten their defense and lean on the scoring prowess of Reed Melvin, they might just pull off a surprise.
Fans, mark your calendars for January 10 and February 5—these games are sure to deliver high-energy basketball and memorable moments!
