The Centralia (IL) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Mt. Vernon (IL) on Friday, January 31, at 7:30 PM.
Centralia vs Mt. Vernon Game Info:
What: Illinois High School Basketball
Who: Centralia (IL) vs Mt. Vernon (IL)
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Centralia High School
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Centralia vs Mt. Vernon
In the heart of Illinois basketball, two teams have been battling it out for supremacy this season: Mt. Vernon and Centralia. Both teams have impressive records and talented rosters, making their upcoming matchup one that fans won’t want to miss. Here’s an in-depth look at both teams’ performance so far and what to expect in their rivalry clash.
Team Records
Mt. Vernon comes into this season with an overall record of 13-6, boasting a strong 4-0 conference record. Their home court has been a fortress, with a perfect 5-0 record at home. However, the team has faced some challenges on the road, with a 4-2 record away and an even 4-4 in neutral games. Despite this, Mt. Vernon has been a consistent force, with an average of 53.2 points per game.
Centralia has had a stellar season with a 19-3 overall record, showing off their dominance in conference play with a 2-1 record. They’ve been even more impressive at home, with a 12-1 record, and have also managed a solid 3-2 record on the road. Centralia’s offense has been prolific, averaging 56.0 points per game.
Scoring Averages
Both teams have shown the ability to score, though they do it in different ways. Mt. Vernon has a balanced scoring approach, with their highest-scoring quarter coming in the third (12.6 points per game) and their lowest in the second (8.3 points per game). Meanwhile, Centralia’s offense has been most potent in the second quarter (14.3 points per game) and continues to score consistently throughout the game. Their highest-scoring quarter is the third (16.0 points per game), suggesting they come alive as the game progresses.
Head-to-Head Matchups
The rivalry between Mt. Vernon and Centralia has already produced some exciting games this season. The first matchup, held on December 13, saw Mt. Vernon come out on top with a 50-41 win. In that game, Mt. Vernon played a strong fourth quarter, outscoring Centralia 18-10 to secure the victory. Fast forward to January 25, and Centralia avenged their earlier defeat, winning 44-32 in a dominant performance, especially in the second and third quarters.
Looking ahead, the teams will meet again on January 31 for another conference battle, with the game set to take place at Centralia’s home court at 7:30 PM. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this thrilling rivalry.
Player Spotlight
Mt. Vernon’s David Barnes has been the standout player for his team, averaging 11.9 points per game, leading the team in scoring. Cale Maurer, another key player for Mt. Vernon, contributes 7.4 rebounds per game, helping solidify their presence on the boards. On defense, Trevor McClure stands out, with 1.4 steals per game and 1.2 blocks per game.
Centralia, while not having any standout scorers like Barnes, has a more balanced offensive attack. The team’s performance relies heavily on their collective effort, and they have been led by solid contributions across the board. Centralia’s defensive play has also been key to their success, with players stepping up to shut down their opponents’ offenses.
Common Opponents
Both teams have had the opportunity to face off against some of the same opponents this season. Mt. Vernon holds a 5-1 record against common opponents, while Centralia is slightly behind at 4-1. Notably, both teams have faced and defeated Carbondale, with Mt. Vernon winning 64-45 on December 6 and Centralia securing a 75-56 victory on December 20.
What’s Next?
The teams will meet again soon, with Centralia hosting Mt. Vernon in an exciting conference matchup. Both teams will be looking to solidify their position in the standings, and this game could have major implications for the remainder of the season.
Conclusion
Whether you’re rooting for Mt. Vernon’s solid defense and balanced scoring or Centralia’s high-powered offense, this rivalry matchup promises to deliver an exciting game of high school basketball. With both teams in strong form, basketball fans in Illinois are in for a treat as the season heads toward its climax. Keep an eye on January 31, as Mt. Vernon and Centralia clash once again.
