The Charlestown (IN) varsity basketball team will play a home non-conference game against New Albany (IN) on Friday, January 17, at 7:30 p.m.

Charlestown vs New Albany Game Info:

What: Indiana High School Basketball
Who: Charlestown (IN) vs New Albany (IN)
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Charlestown vs New Albany

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season unfolds, two teams from Indiana, New Albany and Charlestown, have displayed impressive performances on the court. Both squads are showing strong records and talent, but a closer look at their stats, leaders, and performances against common opponents reveals key differences that make their rivalry exciting.

New Albany: Dominating in the Conference and Beyond

New Albany (7-1 overall, 2-0 conference) has been exceptional in this early part of the season. With a .875 win percentage, they are leading the pack in both overall and conference play. The team has excelled at home (4-1), away (2-0), and on neutral ground (1-0), showing their versatility and readiness to compete in any setting.

The team’s offensive game is firing on all cylinders, averaging 75.5 points per game across four quarters. Their scoring breakdown is balanced, with 19.5 points in the first quarter, 15.8 in the second, 25.5 in the third, and 19 in the final period. This consistency across all quarters allows them to maintain pressure and outscore opponents.

Key player Anthony Fresh has been a standout, contributing significantly in points (19.9 PPG), rebounds (7.1 RPG), steals (2.4 SPG), and blocks (0.8 BPG), making him one of the top players in the state. His performance in leading New Albany to key victories is a testament to his skills and leadership.

Charlestown: A Strong Contender

Charlestown (8-1 overall, 1-1 conference) has also had a strong season, boasting a .889 win percentage. They have performed well in non-conference games, posting a perfect 4-0 record away from home. Despite their strong overall record, their conference play has been a bit more challenging, sitting at .500 with a 1-1 record.

The team’s offense averages 64.6 points per game, with a more modest scoring spread compared to New Albany’s. They put up 14.8 points in the first quarter, 18.4 in the second, 14.6 in the third, and 15.0 in the fourth. This shows that while they are efficient, they struggle to maintain the same level of scoring as their rivals, especially in the latter half of games.

The leader of Charlestown’s offense is also a dynamic player, but in a more balanced way. Freshman AJ Todd contributes 4.8 assists per game, directing the team’s offense. Although they lack the same individual scoring punch as New Albany, their collective effort, highlighted by players like Todd and others, has kept them competitive.

Common Opponents and Record Breakdown

When comparing their performances against common opponents, both teams have been highly successful, but New Albany has had a slight edge. New Albany is 2-0 against common opponents, while Charlestown is 2-1. Notably, both teams defeated Floyd Central and Seymour, though their encounters with other opponents such as Silver Creek and Corydon Central have varied in outcomes.

In the head-to-head record, New Albany maintains a 2-0 advantage, though this rivalry will likely see more exciting matchups as the season progresses. The upcoming games between these two teams will be key in determining the top spot in their conference and provide a real test of each team’s depth and ability to execute in crunch time.

Key Differences

While both teams have excelled so far, key differences exist:

• Scoring: New Albany is more prolific in terms of overall points per game, averaging 75.5 compared to Charlestown’s 64.6. Their ability to sustain high-scoring efforts across all quarters is a major strength.
• Defense: New Albany’s defense has been slightly stronger, allowing 520 points so far, while Charlestown has allowed 428. New Albany’s ability to get stops and convert on the offensive end has been key to their success.
• Leadership: Both teams have strong leaders—Anthony Fresh for New Albany and AJ Todd for Charlestown—but Fresh’s all-around contributions (scoring, rebounding, steals) put him in a category of his own.

Looking Ahead

As the season continues, New Albany will look to maintain its high level of play and extend its lead in the conference, while Charlestown hopes to bounce back and challenge for the top spot. Both teams will face tough competition and must stay consistent to stay at the top.

In summary, New Albany’s dynamic offensive firepower and overall balance give them the edge at this point in the season. However, Charlestown is a formidable opponent, and with a strong finish, they could make a push for the conference title. Fans of both teams should look forward to their remaining matchups—it’s shaping up to be an exciting basketball season!