The Cranston West varsity basketball team (Cranston, RI) will face Johnston (RI) in a neutral conference game on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 2:30 PM.
Here’s what you need Basketball to know:
What: Rhode Island High School Basketball
Who: Cranston West vs Johnston
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 2:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
Johnston vs. Cranston West: A Pre-Game Preview of the 2024-25 Basketball Season
The Johnston and Cranston West high school basketball teams are set to face off in an exciting neutral conference game on December 27, 2024, at 2:30 PM. This matchup, taking place at a neutral location, will see both teams looking to improve their records and build momentum for the remainder of the season.
Season Records and Recent Performance
As of now, both teams have faced some challenges early in the 2024-25 season. Johnston enters the game with an overall record of 0-4, having struggled to find their rhythm both at home and on the road. They are currently 0-2 in league play, with losses to Coventry (77-40) and Burrillville (79-45) leaving them at the bottom of their conference standings. Despite their winless record, Johnston has shown some competitive moments, scoring an average of 43 points per game.
On the other hand, Cranston West holds a record of 1-2, with a slightly more favorable performance in their league games (1-1). They also lost to Coventry, but managed to get a win in their most recent contest. The team has averaged 58.3 points per game, indicating that their offense has been more potent than Johnston’s so far this season.
Key Players to Watch
For Johnston, Nate Conca leads the team with an impressive 19 points per game. Conca has been a bright spot in an otherwise tough season for Johnston, and the team will rely heavily on his scoring ability to compete against Cranston West. Additionally, Noah Germain has been a force on the boards, averaging 11 rebounds per game, which could be crucial in controlling possession and limiting Cranston West’s second-chance opportunities.
Cranston West’s offense is led by a balanced team effort, with their highest scorer being Ethan Madden, who averages 5.2 points per game. Madden also contributes significantly in other areas, with 4 assists and 2.5 steals per game. His all-around game will be critical for Cranston West as they look to control the pace of play against Johnston. Meanwhile, Braden Stephens leads the team in blocks with 2 per game, providing an imposing presence in the paint.
Team Statistics Comparison
When comparing overall team statistics, Cranston West has a clear advantage in most categories. They average 62.5 points per game, significantly higher than Johnston’s 43.0. This offensive firepower, coupled with a solid defensive unit, makes Cranston West a tough opponent. Johnston will need to focus on improving their defense and finding ways to limit Cranston West’s scoring opportunities if they hope to pull off an upset.
Common Opponents and Record Breakdown
Both teams have faced some common opponents, including Coventry and Burrillville, with both squads suffering losses in these matchups. However, Cranston West holds a slight advantage in terms of overall performance, with a 1-2 record compared to Johnston’s 0-4 start. The next few games for both teams, including this matchup, will be crucial in determining their playoff potential and standings in the conference.
Conclusion: A Crucial Early Test
This game between Johnston and Cranston West will serve as an important early test for both teams. Johnston will be looking to build some momentum after a tough start to the season, while Cranston West will aim to continue their climb towards the top of the standings. With both teams eager for a win, fans can expect an exciting, high-energy matchup on December 27.
As we approach game day, all eyes will be on how Johnston plans to counter Cranston West’s strong offense and whether they can build off the individual performances of players like Conca and Germain. For Cranston West, a balanced team effort led by Madden and Stephens will be the key to securing another victory and maintaining their momentum.
