The Cleveland Varsity Basketball Team (Clayton, NC) will host Garner (NC) for a conference game on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

Game Details
Matchup: Garner vs Cleveland
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM

• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Garner vs. Cleveland: A Rivalry to Watch in North Carolina Basketball

As the 2024-2025 North Carolina high school basketball season enters its final stretch, the spotlight shines on two teams with stellar records—Garner and Cleveland. These teams are not only rivals but also contenders in the state, making every match-up between them a must-watch.

Team Overview

Garner (24-25):
With an impressive 18-2 overall record, Garner has dominated this season. The team is undefeated in the conference, sitting at 10-0, and boasts an undefeated home record at 9-0. They’ve shown tremendous consistency, averaging 66.2 points per game while allowing just 56.3. Garner’s offensive game is led by standout players such as #5 Jabari Green, who averages 13.2 points per game, and #1 Rodney Poston, who provides 5.8 assists and 2.3 steals per game.

Cleveland (24-25):
Cleveland, with a record of 15-5, has had a solid season but faced more challenges in their conference play, finishing 6-4. Their overall win percentage is an admirable .750, and while they’ve been strong at home (6-2), they’ve shown resilience on the road as well, with a 6-3 away record. Cleveland’s offense averages 64.1 points per game, led by #21 Chris Tsolenyanu, who grabs 6.8 rebounds per game. While Cleveland doesn’t quite match Garner’s dominance, they remain a formidable opponent.

Recent Head-to-Head Matchup

The most recent encounter between these two teams occurred on January 27, 2025, where Garner emerged victorious with a 62-54 win on the road. This win further solidified Garner’s position at the top of the conference standings, as they continue to showcase their depth and ability to execute under pressure.

Garner’s Game Summary:
Garner controlled the pace throughout the game, with balanced scoring from various players. The win against Cleveland was one of many strong performances this season, continuing a dominant streak.

Upcoming Match:
The rivalry continues on Friday, February 7, 2025, when Garner faces Cleveland once again at Cleveland’s home court. With both teams already showing their capabilities in this season’s meetings, fans can expect a thrilling contest as Cleveland looks to bounce back and defend their home turf.

Key Statistical Comparison

When comparing team statistics, Garner holds the edge in most categories. Garner leads in points per game with 66.2, compared to Cleveland’s 64.1. The Garner team also boasts a more balanced offense, with 12.9 assists and 6.8 steals per game, whereas Cleveland lags behind in both categories (assists: 5.0, steals: 1.0).

• Garner: 58.5 PPG, 29.3 RPG, 12.9 APG, 6.8 SPG, 2.3 BPG
• Cleveland: 64.1 PPG, 28.1 RPG, 12.1 APG, 4.8 SPG, 2.0 BPG

Team Leaders and Key Players

Garner:

• Jabari Green (13.2 PPG): Garner’s scoring leader and a key offensive weapon.
• Rodney Poston (5.8 APG, 2.3 SPG): The floor general, Poston contributes both as a facilitator and a defensive presence.

Cleveland:

• Chris Tsolenyanu (6.8 RPG): A dominant force in the paint for Cleveland, he provides crucial rebounds.
• Tyrell Williams (12.1 PPG): A versatile scorer who can hit from the perimeter and finish inside.

Record Breakdown

Garner has shown excellent performance against common opponents, with an 11-0 record, which speaks volumes about their dominance. Cleveland, however, sits at 7-4 in the same category, proving they can hold their own, but they will need to step up against top-tier competition like Garner.

Looking Ahead

As both teams prepare for the rematch on February 7, the game will be a crucial one for Cleveland, who will look to rebound from their earlier loss and continue pushing for the top of the standings. On the other hand, Garner will be out for a sweep, using the momentum from their strong season and recent win to further assert their dominance.

The Garner-Cleveland rivalry has always been intense, and this season is no exception. With both teams bringing their best to the court, February 7 promises to be another thrilling chapter in this ongoing rivalry. Fans on both sides will be eager to see how the story unfolds as both teams aim for postseason glory.