The Chicago Mt. Carmel varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against DePaul College Prep on Friday, January 17, at 7 p.m.
Chicago Mt. Carmel vs DePaul College Prep Game Info:
What: Illinois High School Basketball
Who: Chicago Mt. Carmel (IL) vs DePaul College Prep (IL)
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Mt. Carmel High School-Chicago
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Chicago Mt. Carmel vs DePaul College Prep
The 2024-2025 Illinois high school basketball season has showcased two powerhouse teams: DePaul College Prep and Chicago Mt. Carmel. Both teams have demonstrated exceptional skills on the court, posting impressive records and setting the stage for an intense rivalry. As they continue their journeys through the season, their achievements deserve a closer look.
DePaul College Prep: Dominating the Competition
With a stunning 17-1 overall record, DePaul College Prep has established itself as one of the top contenders in Illinois basketball this season. Their undefeated 2-0 conference record shows how well they’ve handled league competition, with a perfect 10-0 mark at home. The team’s offensive capabilities are evident with a solid scoring average of 61.2 points per game.
Key players have contributed to this success, including Cameron Thomas, who leads the team with 18.5 points per game. Thomas is also a presence in defense, with 0.6 blocks per game. Grant Best is another standout, contributing 9.8 rebounds per game and 3.7 steals per game, proving his ability to dominate both ends of the court.
The team’s balanced play, with 31.2 rebounds and 10.6 assists per game, showcases their well-rounded performance. DePaul’s strong defensive efforts are also reflected in their 10.2 steals per game, showing their commitment to disrupting the opposition’s offense.
Chicago Mt. Carmel: A Close Rival with Consistent Excellence
Chicago Mt. Carmel is no slouch in its own right, with a 15-2 overall record, a 2-1 conference record, and a 9-1 mark in neutral-site games. Their ability to score, averaging 65.8 points per game, places them as a formidable opponent for anyone. This scoring power is spread across multiple players, including their top scorer who has helped the team to a well-rounded offense.
In terms of team leaders, Mt. Carmel’s players have also been dominant. Their defense is particularly strong, holding opponents to a low 780 points across the season. The team’s 13-point victory over St. Ignatius College Prep and their impressive win against Providence Catholic (68-57) highlights their ability to perform under pressure.
Key Comparisons
When comparing DePaul College Prep and Mt. Carmel’s team statistics, we see two closely matched teams. DePaul averages 61.2 points per game, while Mt. Carmel puts up 65.8 points per game. Both teams excel in their defensive efforts with DePaul averaging 10.2 steals per game compared to Mt. Carmel’s 10.2 steals per game.
In terms of individual performances, Cameron Thomas of DePaul leads the way in scoring (18.5 PPG) and blocks (0.6 BPG), while Grant Best contributes heavily in rebounds (9.8 RPG) and steals (3.7 SPG). Meanwhile, Mt. Carmel has had strong all-around contributions as well, with impressive numbers across multiple categories.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced a number of common opponents this season, providing insight into how they measure up against similar competition. For example, DePaul College Prep defeated St. Rita (55-33) and St. Francis (65-35), while Mt. Carmel has matched up successfully against similar teams, including a victory over IC Catholic Prep (62-51). Both teams have proven their strength against tough competitors.
Record Breakdown
DePaul College Prep and Chicago Mt. Carmel have each been dominant in different areas of their schedules. DePaul is undefeated at home, boasting a 10-0 record, while Mt. Carmel has been nearly perfect in their neutral-site games, going 9-1. Both teams have impressive in-state records, with DePaul holding a 16-1 mark in Illinois and Mt. Carmel finishing with a 15-2 record.
Conclusion: A Rivalry for the Ages
As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, DePaul College Prep and Chicago Mt. Carmel remain two of the top teams to watch in Illinois. Their impressive records, talented rosters, and shared common opponents make them stand out as potential state champions. Fans are eager to see how these two teams will fare in future matchups, with each squad bringing its own unique strengths to the court. Whether it’s DePaul’s defensive prowess or Mt. Carmel’s balanced scoring, this rivalry is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in Illinois high school basketball history.
