The Cranston West varsity basketball team (Cranston, RI) will host Pilgrim (Warwick, RI) for a home conference game today at 12 p.m.

Matchup Details:

• Teams: Pilgrim vs. Cranston West
• Date & Time: Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 12 p.m.
• Location: Cranston West (Cranston, RI)
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Pilgrim vs. Cranston West: A Season Comparison and Breakdown

The 2024-2025 high school basketball season has seen two Rhode Island teams, Pilgrim and Cranston West, experiencing distinctly different levels of success. While both teams have shown their competitive spirit, they have faced unique challenges and triumphs along the way. This article takes a closer look at the season records, team performance, scoring averages, and comparisons between these two schools.

Overall Records and League Performance

Pilgrim (11-6 overall, 5-5 in league play)
Pilgrim has enjoyed a solid season so far, with a record of 11 wins and 6 losses, including a 5-5 record in league play. Their strong home performance, with a 7-3 record, has been a significant factor in their success. Pilgrim has managed to score 995 points across their games while allowing 949, giving them an average of 58.5 points per game, which is a reflection of their aggressive offensive strategy.

Cranston West (6-9 overall, 5-9 in league play)
Cranston West, on the other hand, has faced a tougher season with a 6-9 overall record and a 5-9 mark in league play. The team has struggled to maintain consistency, especially away from home, where they are just 3-5. Their total points for the season stand at 804, with an average of 53.6 points per game, showing a more subdued offensive effort compared to Pilgrim.

Team Scoring Averages

The scoring dynamics of both teams are noticeably different, with Pilgrim having a more potent offense throughout the game.

• Pilgrim has shown an ability to build strong leads, especially in the second and fourth quarters, where they average 20.0 and 25.0 points respectively. Their final quarter performances have often helped them close out tight games.
• Cranston West, while improving as the game progresses, starts off slow with an average of just 6.0 points in the first quarter. Despite this, their scoring remains steady through the second and third quarters.

Key Player Comparisons

Pilgrim’s Top Performers:

• Nate Conca (Points Per Game): Leading the team with an impressive 19.0 PPG, Conca is the primary offensive weapon for Pilgrim.
• Noah Germain (Rebounds Per Game): Averaging 11.0 rebounds per game, Germain’s presence in the paint is crucial for Pilgrim’s success.
• Ethan Madden (Assists and Steals Per Game): Madden contributes 4.0 assists and 2.5 steals per game, showing his versatility on both ends of the floor.
• Braden Stephens (Blocks Per Game): A defensive force, Stephens averages 2.0 blocks per game.

Cranston West’s Key Players:

• Points Per Game: Their leader in scoring is not listed, but as a team, they average 20.8 points per game, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to Pilgrim’s high-scoring players.
• Rebounds, Assists, Steals, and Blocks: While the team struggles overall, individual contributions such as 2.6 rebounds per game and 0.9 steals per game are vital for Cranston West.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents, with Pilgrim leading the series in head-to-head matchups. Pilgrim has a 6-4 record against common opponents, while Cranston West holds a 4-8 record. Some key matchups include:

• St. Raphael Academy: Pilgrim won 59-48, while Cranston West lost 75-47.
• West Warwick: Pilgrim lost a close game 56-55, while Cranston West fell 64-57.
• Cranston East: Pilgrim won 67-53, while Cranston West triumphed 52-44.
• Moses Brown: Both teams struggled against Moses Brown, with Pilgrim losing 66-53 and Cranston West dropping a 68-56 decision.

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Pilgrim’s Strengths:

• Strong offensive depth, especially in the second and fourth quarters.
• Solid performances at home, where they have a 7-3 record.
• Key players like Conca and Germain provide leadership and consistency.

Cranston West’s Challenges:

• Struggles with consistency, especially early in games. Their slow starts have cost them against stronger opponents.
• While they’ve had a few bright spots, their overall offensive output has been lacking in comparison to Pilgrim’s more potent scoring.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, Pilgrim has the momentum and looks poised to make a deep run in the postseason with their strong overall performance. Cranston West, however, will need to improve their offense and find ways to start games more aggressively if they hope to turn around their season. The final stretch of games, including matchups against South Kingstown, Coventry, and Rogers, will be crucial for both teams as they continue to battle for playoff positioning.

The rivalry between Pilgrim and Cranston West remains an exciting one, and as both teams look ahead, the next few weeks will be pivotal for their respective seasons.