The Concord Academy varsity basketball team (Concord, NC) will face Linsly (Wheeling, WV) in a neutral non-conference matchup on Friday, December 27, at 6:20 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

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

Linsly vs. Concord Academy: A Comparative Look at Basketball Performance

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, two teams stand out with impressive records and strong performances: Linsly and Concord Academy. Although they differ in overall records and statistics, both teams demonstrate the grit and determination that are hallmarks of successful basketball programs. Let’s take a deep dive into their rankings, performance statistics, and key players, to better understand how they stack up against one another.

Team Records and Overall Performance

Linsly enters the season with a balanced record of 2-2. Despite their relatively small sample size, they’ve showcased competitive gameplay across various matchups, with a solid 1-0 home record. However, their struggles on neutral ground (0-1) may raise concerns as they look to improve.

On the other hand, Concord Academy has had an outstanding season so far, with a 15-2 record. Their dominance is especially evident in their conference performance, where they hold an unblemished 2-0 record. They have been a force at home (7-0), and their consistent play on the road (3-1) has contributed to their impressive overall record. Concord Academy’s success this season also reflects their ability to maintain high standards in both conference and non-conference play.

Team Performance Comparison:

• Linsly has averaged 61.5 points per game, while Concord Academy has a significantly higher scoring average of 68.9 points per game. Concord’s consistency in scoring across all four quarters, especially in the first half, highlights their well-rounded offensive game.
• Concord Academy has also excelled in rebounds, averaging 29.2 per game compared to Linsly’s much lower tally. This difference in rebounding strength may be crucial in determining the teams’ success in future matchups.

Team Leaders and Key Players

Both teams have standout players who lead in various statistical categories. For Linsly, James Minlend leads in scoring, with an average of 13.7 points per game. Icare Bakadisula is a force on the boards, averaging 5.0 rebounds per game, and also leads in blocks with 0.6 per game. In terms of playmaking, Gray Madeira has contributed 2.9 assists per game and is also effective on the defensive end with 2.6 steals per game.

For Concord Academy, James Minlend’s counterparts are also making waves in their respective categories. Concord Academy’s offensive leader, James Minlend, scores 13.7 points per game, while Icare Bakadisula leads in both blocks and rebounds. Moreover, the contributions from Gray Madeira, both in the assist column and on defense with steals, position Concord Academy as a balanced and dynamic team.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Looking ahead to any potential matchups between the two teams, it is notable that both have had relatively minimal head-to-head competition. Concord Academy has already secured a victory against Forsyth Country Day, winning 40-38 in a home game on December 7, 2024. Meanwhile, Linsly will be facing Forsyth Country Day on December 30, 2024, marking their opportunity to potentially even the playing field.

Record Breakdown by Location

The teams’ performances across different game settings also reveal insights into their strengths and areas for improvement:

• Linsly has a solid 1-1 away record but has struggled in neutral-site games with a 0-1 tally.
• Concord Academy has been nearly perfect on the road (3-1), and their home-court dominance (7-0) shows that they are formidable both in familiar and opposing environments.

Conclusion

While Concord Academy boasts a superior record, a higher win percentage, and stronger overall team performance, Linsly has shown flashes of potential in their early-season games. Concord Academy’s ability to outscore and out-rebound opponents will be crucial as they continue their campaign, but Linsly’s balanced roster and the leadership of players like Minlend and Bakadisula suggest that they could still make noise as the season progresses.

In summary, Concord Academy stands as the more polished team so far, but Linsly should not be counted out, as they continue to grow and refine their game. Fans of both programs are in for an exciting season as these two teams prepare for future encounters.