The Charlotte Catholic Varsity Basketball team will host Independence in a home conference game today, December 20, 2024, at 7:30 PM. The game will take place at Charlotte Catholic High School in Charlotte, NC.

Here’s what you need to Basketball know:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Charlotte Catholic vs Independence
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

A Clash of Titans: Independence vs. Charlotte Catholic Basketball Showdown

The stage is set for a thrilling basketball matchup between two powerhouse teams from Charlotte, North Carolina: Independence High School and Charlotte Catholic High School. Both teams have had remarkable seasons so far in the 2024-2025 campaign, and fans can expect a high-stakes game when these two squads meet.

Team Overview

Independence High School (7-1) has been a dominant force, boasting an impressive 87.5% win rate. The team has shown its strength both at home (3-1) and on the road (4-0). The team’s scoring average stands at 61.9 points per game, with solid performances across the board. Led by standout player Jaxson Neely, who averages 13.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, Independence has shown resilience and talent.

On the other hand, Charlotte Catholic High School has been near-perfect this season, currently undefeated with a 9-0 record. The team has been especially dominant at home (4-0) and on the road (4-0), further solidifying their reputation as a top contender. Averaging 74.6 points per game, Charlotte Catholic’s offense is firing on all cylinders. Jack Siegel, who leads the team with 15.7 points per game, has been instrumental in their success. Additionally, Noah Noch and Chris Eagan provide critical support with their contributions in assists and rebounds.

Scoring Breakdown

Both teams bring explosive offenses to the table, with Charlotte Catholic having a slight edge in scoring. The Catholic Cougars average 74.6 points per game, propelled by their potent offensive system. Their scoring is spread out well, with Siegel, Eagan, and Noch contributing significantly. Their performance in the final quarter is especially impressive, where they score an average of 20.4 points.

Independence, while not as high-scoring as their opponents, still puts up a solid 61.9 points per game. Their balance throughout the game is noteworthy, scoring 14.5 in the first quarter and gradually ramping up their points across the rest of the game, with a particularly strong second quarter (18.6 points). This shows their ability to build momentum as the game progresses.

Key Players to Watch

• Jaxson Neely (Independence): The star player for Independence, Neely’s ability to score and rebound will be crucial for the team’s success. Averaging 13.9 points and 7.8 rebounds, he can take over games and will likely be a focal point for Charlotte Catholic’s defense.
• Jack Siegel (Charlotte Catholic): As the leading scorer for Charlotte Catholic with 15.7 points per game, Siegel will be the player to watch. His scoring ability and leadership will be key to maintaining their unbeaten record.
• Chris Eagan (Charlotte Catholic): Eagan contributes significantly in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 6.2 boards per game. His inside presence will be critical against the physicality of Independence.

Head-to-Head Record

The two teams have yet to face off this season, but they have common opponents, including South Mecklenburg, Providence, and East Mecklenburg. Both teams have handled their common opponents with relative ease, though Charlotte Catholic has a slight edge, having won both their games against South Mecklenburg and Providence by solid margins. Independence, however, defeated South Mecklenburg 62-51, showing that they can compete at a high level against strong opponents.

Team Stats Comparison

When comparing the two teams statistically:

• Points Per Game: Charlotte Catholic (74.6) vs. Independence (61.9)
• Rebounds Per Game: Independence (28.0) vs. Charlotte Catholic (28.7)
• Assists Per Game: Charlotte Catholic (16.4) vs. Independence (11.3)
• Steals Per Game: Independence (10.6) vs. Charlotte Catholic (8.3)
• Blocks Per Game: Independence (3.6) vs. Charlotte Catholic (3.2)

Charlotte Catholic excels in scoring, but Independence has the edge in steals and blocks. This shows that while Charlotte Catholic may dominate offensively, Independence has the defensive tools to disrupt their rhythm.

Upcoming Matchup

The first game between these two teams will take place on January 3, 2025, at Charlotte Catholic, followed by a return game on January 28, 2025, at Independence. Both games are expected to be intense, with both teams bringing their best to the court. Given the records and strengths of each team, these matchups could very well be pivotal in deciding the top team in the region.

Final Thoughts

With Charlotte Catholic’s perfect record and Independence’s impressive form, the upcoming games promise to be must-watch events. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses that could make for a dramatic contest. Independence’s defense and rebounding, led by Neely, will be key in trying to stop Charlotte Catholic’s high-powered offense. Conversely, the Cougars will look to use their scoring depth and efficiency to keep their undefeated streak intact.

As the basketball season heats up, this rivalry is one to watch closely as both teams continue their quest for glory.