The Richland (WA) varsity basketball team is playing a home conference game against Chiawana (Pasco, WA) today at 5 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Basketball
Who: Chiawana vs Richland
When: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 5:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Chiawana vs Richland

As the high school basketball season heats up, two powerhouse teams in Washington State, the Chiawana Riverhawks and the Richland Bombers, have been turning heads with their impressive performances. Both teams are ranked among the best in the state, and their rivalry continues to intensify, especially after their recent head-to-head clash on January 4, 2025.

Team Overview: Chiawana and Richland

Chiawana Riverhawks

• Overall Record: 16-2
• District Record: 11-2
• Home Record: 10-2
• Away Record: 6-0
• Points For: 1,296
• Points Against: 1,022
• Win Percentage: .889
• District Win Percentage: .846

Chiawana’s Riverhawks have proven themselves a dominant force in their district, maintaining a near-perfect win percentage throughout the season. With a strong offensive presence, they average 72 points per game, led by an all-around team effort. Their record includes a mix of tough home and away wins, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure.

Richland Bombers

• Overall Record: 16-0
• District Record: 12-0
• Home Record: 7-0
• Away Record: 7-0
• Neutral Record: 2-0
• Points For: 1,344
• Points Against: 901
• Win Percentage: 1.000
• District Win Percentage: 1.000

In contrast, Richland enters the new year with an undefeated record of 16-0, the only team in the area to maintain a perfect season. Their high-octane offense, averaging 84 points per game, has been unstoppable. The Bombers have been equally dominant on the road and at home, showcasing their ability to win in any environment.

Head-to-Head: Richland Stands Tall

The latest showdown between these two elite teams took place on January 4, 2025, where Richland defeated Chiawana 89-71 in an away game. The Bombers took control early, with a strong first-quarter performance that set the tone for the rest of the game. Richland outscored Chiawana in each quarter, ultimately securing a comfortable win. This victory added another notch to their perfect season, extending their lead in the league standings.

The key takeaway from this game was Richland’s offensive firepower. They racked up 89 points, with a balanced scoring attack that overwhelmed Chiawana’s defense. Despite Chiawana’s solid offensive efforts, including a notable third-quarter surge, Richland’s consistency proved to be too much.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several of the same opponents throughout the season, and their performances against these teams further illustrate the competitive nature of their rivalry. For example, both teams defeated Walla Walla, Hermiston, Kamiakin, and Southridge, with Richland showing a slight edge in their dominant victories. However, Chiawana did suffer a loss to Kennewick, something Richland avoided with a close win.

Chiawana, with a record of 11-1 against common opponents, has proven their worth in tough matchups, while Richland remains undefeated with a perfect 11-0 record against the same set of teams.

Team Scoring Comparison

• Chiawana:
  • Q1: 18.1
  • Q2: 17.7
  • Q3: 19.4
  • Q4: 16.8
  • Average Points Per Game: 72.0
• Richland:
  • Q1: 22.6
  • Q2: 20.6
  • Q3: 21.6
  • Q4: 19.1
  • Average Points Per Game: 84.0

Richland’s higher-scoring average is evident in their explosive first quarter (22.6 points) and consistent offensive production throughout the game. Chiawana, while still strong offensively, tends to slow down in the final quarter, averaging 16.8 points in the fourth, which might be a factor in their recent loss to Richland.

Looking Ahead

Both teams have a bright future ahead, with Chiawana aiming to rebound from their loss and continue their strong season. They will play several more games against tough competition, including their upcoming match against Pasco on February 6, 2025. Meanwhile, Richland looks to maintain its undefeated streak as they face challenges from teams like Hanford and Southridge later in the season.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Chiawana and Richland is one of the most exciting in Washington high school basketball this season. With both teams boasting impressive records and high-scoring offenses, their matchups have been a spectacle for fans. Richland’s current dominance, however, gives them the edge heading into the second half of the season. Will Chiawana rise to the challenge, or will Richland continue their undefeated march to the playoffs? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: these two teams are poised to make a deep run in the state tournament.