In the world of high school basketball in Washington State, two teams stand out this season: the Connell Eagles and the Royal Knights. While these two schools share a rivalry, their performances on the court this season have been drastically different.

Connell Eagles (24-25)

The Connell Eagles have had a challenging season so far, with a record of 7-8 overall. In the competitive league play, they’ve posted a 3-6 district record, and have managed a 6-3 home record, but their struggles on the road, with a 1-5 away record, have proven difficult. Their performance has seen some notable ups and downs. Offensively, the Eagles have averaged 55.4 points per game, with their scoring typically peaking in the fourth quarter (17.5 points) and showing a bit of consistency in the third quarter (14.0 points). However, their defense has been a bit of a liability, allowing 854 points so far this season.

One of Connell’s key wins came against College Place (57-48), but the team has also faced several tough losses. The most significant of these was a 39-point defeat at the hands of their rivals, the Royal Knights, with a 78-39 loss on December 28. This game was a clear demonstration of the disparity between the two teams this season.

Royal Knights (24-25)

On the other side of the rivalry, the Royal Knights have been exceptional this season. They have a stunning 14-1 overall record and a dominant 7-1 mark in district play. Royal’s performance has been nothing short of remarkable, especially with their undefeated home record (6-0) and their near-perfect away record (6-1). With an average of 73.9 points per game, Royal has been consistently strong across all four quarters. Their offensive production is led by a high-scoring first quarter (18.3 points) and an impressive finish in the fourth quarter (21.5 points). Their defense has also been effective, limiting opponents to just 714 points on the season.

Royal’s offense has been impressive in key games, particularly against teams like Cashmere (89-51) and Zillah (75-59), demonstrating their ability to perform well both at home and away. They’ve built a formidable reputation as one of the top teams in the region.

Head-to-Head Matchups

The Connell vs. Royal rivalry reached a new level on December 28, 2024, when the two teams faced off. Royal won decisively, with a 78-39 victory. This game highlighted the differences in the two teams’ current form, with Royal controlling every aspect of the game from start to finish.

Looking ahead, Connell will have a chance to redeem themselves in the coming games, including a rematch at Royal on January 25, 2025. However, based on the teams’ current form, Royal remains the heavy favorite.

Common Opponents

Both teams have shared opponents this season, with Royal showing a clear advantage in these matchups. For example, both teams faced Cashmere, with Connell losing 66-28 in December, while Royal dominated with a 89-51 win. Similarly, Connell lost to Zillah (89-47), while Royal came out on top, 75-59. Royal has continued to show dominance over these common opponents, underscoring their superiority on the court.

Record Breakdown

• Connell (24-25): 7-8 overall, 3-6 district
• Royal (24-25): 14-1 overall, 7-1 district

While Connell has had mixed results this season, Royal has emerged as a powerhouse in the district, boasting a near-perfect record. The Knights’ offense is firing on all cylinders, and their defense has kept opponents at bay. Connell, meanwhile, has struggled to find consistency, especially in tough district matchups and on the road.

Conclusion

As the Connell Eagles and Royal Knights continue their seasons, the rivalry between the two teams remains one of the most exciting storylines in Washington high school basketball. With Royal on a dominant run, it will be a challenging road ahead for Connell, but the Eagles will continue to fight for improvement and a stronger finish to their season. Meanwhile, Royal looks to maintain their impressive momentum as they march toward the postseason.

Fans of both teams can expect more thrilling matchups in the coming weeks, with Connell hoping to turn their season around and Royal aiming to solidify their status as a top contender in the region.