The Cox Mill varsity basketball team from Concord, NC, will host a home conference game against Lake Norman from Mooresville, NC, today at 7:30 PM.
Game Details:
- Matchup: Lake Norman vs. Cox Mill
- Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Live stream: Watch Here
- Live stream: Watch Here
- Location: Cox Mill High School, Concord, NC
Lake Norman vs. Cox Mill: A Comprehensive Preview of the Highly Anticipated Matchup
Basketball fans in North Carolina are gearing up for an exciting showdown tonight as the Lake Norman Wildcats travel to Concord to face the Cox Mill Chargers. This conference game, set to tip off at 7:30 p.m., promises to showcase top-tier talent and dynamic gameplay. Here’s everything you need to know about the two teams heading into this pivotal clash.
Team Profiles
Lake Norman Wildcats (14-1, 3-0 Conference)
- National Rank: 38
- North Carolina Rank: 4
- Class Rank: 1
The Wildcats have been dominant this season, boasting an impressive .933 win percentage. They are undefeated in conference play (3-0) and have yet to lose on the road (4-0). Lake Norman’s high-powered offense averages 77.1 points per game, outscoring opponents by an average of 20 points (1,157 PF vs. 837 PA).
Cox Mill Chargers (6-6, 2-1 Conference)
- North Carolina Rank: 169
- Class Rank: 30
While Cox Mill has experienced an up-and-down season, they remain a formidable opponent, particularly at home, where they hold a 4-4 record. The Chargers average 69.0 points per game, with a near-even point differential (828 PF vs. 829 PA).
Key Stats Comparison
| Category | Lake Norman | Cox Mill |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 76.4 | 55.0 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 42.6 | 17.4 |
| Assists Per Game | 14.7 | 10.3 |
| Steals Per Game | 8.3 | 4.6 |
| Blocks Per Game | 4.9 | 1.9 |
Lake Norman leads in every major statistical category, showcasing their depth and balance on both ends of the floor.
Player Spotlight
Lake Norman Wildcats
- Tre McKinnon (#5): Leading the team with 18.7 points per game, McKinnon is a dynamic scorer who thrives in transition and half-court settings.
- Trent Steinour (#44): A dominant presence in the paint, Steinour averages 12.2 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game.
- Nick Arnold (#20): A versatile playmaker, Arnold averages 4.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game, providing leadership on both ends.
Cox Mill Chargers
- Teeshon Smith (#2): A standout player, Smith averages an impressive 21.4 points per game while contributing 5.0 rebounds.
- Cruz Miller (#12): Known for his court vision, Miller leads the team with 3.8 assists per game.
- Dakota Ford (#4): A defensive stalwart, Ford averages 1.3 steals per game and plays a key role in disrupting opponents’ offenses.
Game Outlook
Lake Norman enters the matchup as the heavy favorite, given their superior record, dominant stats, and balanced roster. However, Cox Mill’s resilience, particularly at home, could make this a closer contest than expected. Teeshon Smith’s scoring prowess will be a key factor for the Chargers as they look to upset the top-ranked Wildcats.
Key Matchups
- Tre McKinnon vs. Teeshon Smith: Both players are scoring leaders for their respective teams, and their performances could dictate the outcome.
- Rebounding Battle: Lake Norman’s massive advantage on the boards (42.6 RPG vs. 17.4 RPG) will test Cox Mill’s ability to compete in the paint.
- Defensive Intensity: Lake Norman’s ability to generate turnovers (8.3 steals per game) may disrupt Cox Mill’s offensive rhythm.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
While the teams haven’t faced each other yet this season, Lake Norman holds a stronger record against common opponents (4-0 vs. Cox Mill’s 2-1). Notable games include Lake Norman’s 85-70 win over Hickory Ridge and Cox Mill’s narrow 60-58 loss to Mooresville.
Upcoming Rematch
This is just the first meeting between these two teams this season. The rematch is set for February 7 at Lake Norman, adding further intrigue to their growing rivalry.
Prediction
With their dominant form and balanced roster, Lake Norman is poised to secure another victory. However, Cox Mill’s home-court advantage and the scoring ability of Teeshon Smith could make this an exciting and closely contested game.
Final Score Prediction: Lake Norman 80, Cox Mill 67.
