As the 2024-25 high school basketball season continues, one team has proven to be a dominant force, while the other has faced more challenges. A look at the records, rankings, and team statistics highlights the contrasting stories of Sloan-Hendrix and Concord.

Sloan-Hendrix: A Team on Fire

With an impressive overall record of 16-1, Sloan-Hendrix has established itself as a powerhouse in Arkansas high school basketball. Boasting a near-perfect win percentage of .941, they have dominated both in and out of their conference. The team is flawless in conference play, with a perfect 4-0 record, and has also been undefeated at home, winning all 7 of their home games. On the road, they have performed equally well, posting an 8-1 record. Their only loss came outside of conference play, but their performance in the postseason has been nothing short of exceptional.

Sloan-Hendrix has been prolific offensively, averaging an impressive 59.4 points per game. Their success comes not just from their scoring ability but also from their defensive strength, as they have limited opponents to just 661 points over 17 games. Their dominance is clear when you look at their common opponents, where they hold a perfect 6-0 record, including decisive wins over teams like Norfork (62-34), Marmaduke (80-20), and Cedar Ridge (59-34).

Concord: A Season of Struggles

On the other hand, Concord has had a tougher season. With a 5-12 overall record and a .294 win percentage, they have struggled in both conference and non-conference play. Their conference record stands at 3-3, but they have faced significant challenges on the road and in neutral-site games, posting a combined 2-12 record in those situations.

Concord’s offensive output has been far less consistent than Sloan-Hendrix’s, averaging 44.5 points per game. Their defense has also been a weak point, allowing 876 points throughout their 17 games. Like Sloan-Hendrix, Concord has faced several common opponents, but they have only managed a 1-5 record in those matchups. They suffered losses to Norfork (58-26), Tuckerman (68-39), and Cedar Ridge (40-38), showing the tough competition they’ve faced throughout the season.

Record Breakdown: Home, Away, and Playoff Impact

Looking at the team’s records in various settings, Sloan-Hendrix shines. Their home record is 7-0, their away record stands at 8-1, and they are 1-0 in neutral-site games. Conversely, Concord has struggled away from home, with a 2-6 record in both road and neutral-site games. Their home record is slightly better at 3-3, but it is still clear that they have not been able to replicate the same success that Sloan-Hendrix has achieved.

Both teams will need to focus on their remaining games, but for Concord, improvement on the road and stronger defense will be key for any potential turnaround. Sloan-Hendrix, with their strong record and consistent play, will look to build on their momentum as they approach the postseason.

Conclusion

The disparity between Sloan-Hendrix and Concord this season is undeniable. While Sloan-Hendrix stands as one of the top teams in the state, Concord faces the challenge of rebuilding and finding consistency. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if Concord can turn things around, while Sloan-Hendrix continues its pursuit of a championship.