The Northeast Lauderdale (Meridian, MS) varsity basketball team is set to face the Choctaw Central (Philadelphia, MS) squad in an exciting conference matchup tonight at 6 PM. With both teams showcasing strong records and dynamic rosters, this clash promises to be a highlight of the season. Here’s an in-depth look at the game.

Season Records & Standings

• Northeast Lauderdale: 11-3 overall, .786 win percentage
• Choctaw Central: 11-2 overall, .846 win percentage

Both teams have excelled in non-league games, but Choctaw Central’s unblemished 8-0 home record gives them an edge on their home court.

Team Comparisons

Scoring and Defense

• Northeast Lauderdale averages 46.4 points per game, while Choctaw Central leads with an impressive 54.8 points per game.
• Defensively, Choctaw Central allows 521 points over the season compared to Northeast Lauderdale’s 465.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring

• Choctaw Central tends to dominate the first quarter, averaging 17 points, while Northeast Lauderdale posts 12 points.
• Notably, Choctaw Central shows consistency in the second half, with strong performances in the third and fourth quarters, averaging 17.0 and 16.5 points, respectively.

Player Spotlights

Northeast Lauderdale

• #24 Jordyn Vaughn leads the team in scoring with 7.4 points per game.
• #13 Kelsie Ephrim dominates the boards, averaging 11.6 rebounds per game.
• #10 Jakayla Grace is a dual-threat playmaker with 4.6 assists and 5.9 steals per game.

Choctaw Central

• While specific player stats are unavailable, the team’s balanced offensive output and strong overall performance indicate multiple contributors.

Head-to-Head

This is the first meeting between these two teams this season, setting the stage for an intense battle. They’ll meet again on January 17, giving both sides a chance to adjust and improve.

Common Opponents

• Both teams faced Neshoba Central, with Northeast Lauderdale falling short (49-33), while Choctaw Central split their matchups, securing a notable 56-44 victory in their second meeting.
• Upcoming games against other shared opponents, like Leake Central and Newton County, will further test their mettle.

Keys to Victory

• Northeast Lauderdale: To overcome Choctaw Central’s high-powered offense, they must lock in defensively, limit turnovers, and capitalize on fast breaks.
• Choctaw Central: Leveraging their home-court advantage and consistent scoring across quarters could help them maintain control throughout the game.

Final Thoughts

This conference game is more than just another matchup—it’s a potential preview of postseason intensity. With both teams bringing their best records and standout performances, fans can expect a competitive, high-energy game.

Don’t miss it! Tip-off is at 6 PM at Choctaw Central.