The Concord Academy (Concord, NC) varsity basketball team will face Linsly (Wheeling, WV) in a neutral non-conference game today at 6:20 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Concord Academy vs Linsly
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 6:20. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Team Analysis: Linsly vs. Concord Academy Basketball Programs (2024-2025 Season)

The 2024-2025 basketball season has seen an intriguing contrast between two competitive programs: Linsly and Concord Academy. As both teams approach the midpoint of the season, their performance on the court has drawn attention, offering a glimpse into their strategies, leadership, and overall strength. Let’s take a closer look at how both teams compare.

Record Overview

Linsly has had a mixed start to the season with an overall record of 2-2. Their performance is balanced between home and away games, with a solid home record of 1-0 but a less-than-ideal away record of 1-1. In neutral site games, they have yet to pick up a win, finishing with a 0-1 mark. They have scored 246 points, averaging 61.5 points per game but have allowed 283 points, which indicates room for improvement defensively.

Concord Academy, on the other hand, has been dominant, especially in conference play, with a 15-2 overall record. They are undefeated at home (7-0), showing great consistency, and their away record is also strong at 3-1. The team’s only blemish comes from neutral site games, where they have a 1-1 record. They have outscored their opponents 1,171 to 809, averaging 68.9 points per game, indicating not just strong offensive play but also an efficient defense.

Offensive and Defensive Play

Linsly is averaging 61.5 points per game, with no detailed breakdown of their scoring in each quarter. This leaves some ambiguity in their ability to adjust during games, but with players like James Minlend (13.7 points per game), they remain a constant offensive threat.

Concord Academy, however, shows a well-rounded offensive effort across all quarters. The team averages 17.5 points in the first quarter, steadily improving to 18.2 in the second and maintaining similar numbers throughout the third and fourth quarters, with 17.4 and 15.8 points respectively. This consistent scoring across the game shows their ability to maintain momentum and control.

Defensively, Concord Academy leads in several categories, including rebounds (29.2 per game), assists (18.5), steals (10.3), and blocks (2.6). This indicates a well-rounded team that not only scores efficiently but also defends aggressively. Their ability to disrupt the opposing offense with steals and blocks sets them apart from Linsly, who has not provided statistical averages in these areas but would need to address these weaknesses to compete at the same level.

Key Players

Both teams feature standout players who significantly contribute to their team’s performance.

For Linsly, James Minlend is a dominant force, leading the team with an impressive 13.7 points per game. In addition to his scoring prowess, Icare Bakadisula leads in rebounding with 5.0 per game, while Gray Madeira is the team’s leader in assists (2.9) and steals (2.6). These individual performances are critical for Linsly as they work to improve their consistency across all phases of the game.

On Concord Academy, standout players include Icare Bakadisula, who contributes both offensively and defensively, as well as Gray Madeira, whose performances in assists (1.1) and steals (0.9) give Concord Academy the edge in team playmaking and defense. The team’s overall statistics reflect a cohesive unit that excels in multiple facets of the game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season. For example, Linsly will face Forsyth Country Day on December 30, 2024, while Concord Academy has already bested the same team on December 7, 2024, winning a close game 40-38. This early-season encounter gives Concord Academy a slight edge in experience against shared competition.

Head-to-Head Comparison

In head-to-head comparison, Concord Academy’s superior record, both in their conference and non-conference matchups, sets them apart from Linsly. Concord’s 15-2 record compared to Linsly’s 2-2 shows a clear disparity in overall success, particularly in the context of league play, where Concord has gone a perfect 2-0 in conference games.

Linsly, however, has opportunities ahead of them to improve, especially in conference matchups and neutral site games. With a balanced mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, they could see a significant uptick in performance if they can improve their defense and consistency on the road.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, Concord Academy looks poised to continue their strong run, supported by an impressive balance of offense and defense. Their well-rounded team is one to watch in the coming months, especially as they build on their undefeated home record and strong conference performance.

Linsly will need to refine their play, especially on the defensive end, to compete more effectively with top-tier teams like Concord Academy. Key players like Minlend, Bakadisula, and Madeira will be central to their success moving forward, and if they can improve on their road performance, Linsly may yet make a strong push in their league.

Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, and as their seasons continue, the race to the playoffs will surely feature many exciting matchups.