The Cherry (Iron, MN) varsity basketball team will play a home non-conference game against Esko (MN) today at 7:15 PM.
Game Details
Esko vs. Cherry
Date: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7:15 PM
Location: Cherry High School
Live stream: Watch Here
Esko vs. Cherry: A High-Stakes Basketball Showdown in the 2024-2025 Season
The 2024-2025 basketball season has seen some impressive performances from both Esko and Cherry, two teams that are setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable year. With the season well underway, both teams have demonstrated excellence on the court, but how do they compare?
Team Records & Rankings
- Esko (24-25) has posted a solid record of 7-2 overall and 1-0 in the conference. They have maintained a strong win percentage of .778 overall, and have a perfect 1.000 record in conference play. Their high-powered offense has netted them 675 points, while their defense has allowed 518 points so far this season.
- Cherry (24-25) has been absolutely dominant with a perfect 15-0 record, including 3-0 in conference play. Their overall win percentage is a flawless 1.000, with 1,252 points scored and only 918 points conceded. Cherry’s performance has been nothing short of spectacular across all formats—home, away, and neutral sites.
Team Scoring Averages
When it comes to offensive output, Cherry has the edge in total points, averaging an impressive 83.5 points per game, while Esko trails with 75.0 points per game. Looking at the individual quarters, Cherry consistently dominates with 39.0 points in Q2 and 50.0 points in Q4, which has contributed significantly to their high scoring.
Team Stat Comparison
Here’s a deeper look at how the teams stack up in some key statistics:
| Stat Category | Esko | Cherry |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 75.0 | 83.5 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 8.5 | 22.3 |
| Assists Per Game | 6.7 | 22.3 |
| Steals Per Game | 3.7 | 9.0 |
| Blocks Per Game | 0.7 | 1.0 |
While Esko’s stats show solid contributions from their core players, Cherry’s higher numbers in every major category, particularly in rebounds and assists, reflect their overall dominance in team play.
Team Leaders
Esko’s standout player is Noah Sundquist, who leads the team in nearly every statistical category: points per game (24.3), rebounds (9.0), and steals (3.0). His all-around play has been the cornerstone of Esko’s success this season.
- Carson Brown has been another key contributor with an average of 7.3 assists per game, showcasing his court vision and playmaking ability.
For Cherry, the leadership is spread across the team, but Ayden Cappo has stood out with an average of 1.3 blocks per game, while others like Eli Dvorak contribute significantly to the scoring and rebounding efforts. Cherry’s impressive assist numbers (22.3 assists per game) highlight their strong team-oriented approach.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced several of the same opponents, and their records against these teams offer some insight into their relative strengths:
- Esko has taken down opponents such as Rock Ridge, Superior, East Central, and Marshall. They are 4-0 against common opponents so far this season.
- Cherry, on the other hand, has faced the same teams and remains undefeated with a 5-0 record against common opponents.
In head-to-head comparisons, both teams have proven to be dominant forces, with Cherry showing a slight edge in their ability to close out games against common foes.
Record Breakdown: Home, Away, and Neutral Games
- Esko has performed well at home with a 4-2 record but remains unbeaten on the road with a perfect 3-0 away record.
- Cherry’s dominance is reflected in their 6-0 record at home and 6-0 record away, proving that they are just as effective in any venue.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Performance
- Esko’s success has been more regional, with a 6-2 record in-state and 1-0 out-of-state.
- Cherry has been equally effective both within Minnesota and outside, with a perfect 14-0 in-state and 1-0 out-of-state record.
Conclusion
With Esko’s disciplined and strategic approach led by Noah Sundquist and Carson Brown, and Cherry’s overwhelming dominance in both individual and team statistics, it’s clear that both teams are championship contenders this season. The head-to-head matchup between these two will be one for the books, as each team brings its unique strengths to the court. Whether it’s Esko’s robust defense or Cherry’s potent offense, fans can expect a thrilling season ahead for these two Minnesota basketball powerhouses.
