As the 2024-2025 Utah high school basketball season heats up, the Crimson Cliffs Mustangs and the Cedar Reds are two teams looking to make their mark. With distinct records and strengths, their upcoming matchups promise excitement and intense competition. Let’s break down the key details and compare both teams.

Crimson Cliffs Mustangs Overview

Crimson Cliffs (Washington, UT) has had a strong performance this season with a 5-4 overall record, boasting a win percentage of .556. The Mustangs have been particularly effective at home, posting a solid 4-1 record in their own arena. On the road, however, they’ve struggled with a 1-2 record, and they are yet to secure a neutral-site win, standing at 0-1.

The team’s offense has been impressive, averaging 65.1 points per game, with strong scoring performances across all four quarters. They start strong with 19.0 points in the first quarter and maintain consistent scoring throughout, with 13.6 in the second, 17.9 in the third, and 14.8 in the fourth. Leading the way for Crimson Cliffs is Mckay Lindquist, who averages 14.6 points per game, while Drake Carroll contributes significantly with 5.6 assists and 2.9 steals per game. The Mustangs are also solid on the boards, grabbing an average of 21.3 rebounds per game.

Their next challenge comes on December 20th, 2024, when they travel to face Cedar at 7:00 p.m. in a crucial conference matchup.

Cedar Reds Overview

Cedar (Cedar City, UT) has had a tougher start to the season, with a 2-8 overall record and a 0-1 mark in region play. Their struggles on the road are evident with a 1-4 record, while they are yet to win a home game, standing at 0-3. The Reds have a lower scoring average of 47.1 points per game, and their offensive output has been inconsistent throughout the game. They start slow, averaging only 10.3 points in the first quarter, and although they improve slightly in the later quarters, they still fall short in comparison to their opponents.

Key players for Cedar include Hayden Kee, who leads the team with 13.7 points per game, and Taylor Davis, who contributes 7.2 rebounds per game. Despite some strong individual performances, the team has struggled with turnovers and limited playmaking, with just 9.3 assists per game.

Cedar’s next big game is against Crimson Cliffs on December 20th, and they will be looking to improve their performance in front of a home crowd.

Head-to-Head Comparison

In terms of team stats, Crimson Cliffs has a clear advantage in several areas. The Mustangs average 64.8 points per game, well above Cedar’s 42.8. Crimson Cliffs also outperforms Cedar in rebounds (21.3 to 25.2), assists (17.3 to 9.3), steals (11.3 to 4.8), and blocks (3.1 to 0.8). These stats highlight Crimson Cliffs’ more balanced and efficient play.

When looking at individual performances, Mckay Lindquist (14.6 PPG) leads the Mustangs, while Cedar’s Hayden Kee (13.7 PPG) is the Reds’ top scorer. The Mustangs also have the edge in playmaking, with Drake Carroll averaging 5.6 assists per game, compared to Cedar’s Taylor Davis, who averages just 2.3.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a number of the same opponents, with varying results. Crimson Cliffs defeated Manti 80-51, while Cedar also won against Manti 51-46. Cedar has had some close losses to other teams like Pine View, but Crimson Cliffs has managed to post stronger results against teams like Desert Hills and Riverton. As the season progresses, these head-to-head results will play a critical role in shaping the teams’ standings.

Upcoming Matchups

The game between Crimson Cliffs and Cedar on December 20th will be a pivotal moment for both teams. The Mustangs are hoping to continue their solid play and improve their standing, while Cedar is looking to turn things around and secure an important win. The teams will meet again on January 29th for another exciting matchup.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, both Crimson Cliffs and Cedar are looking to fine-tune their performances. While Crimson Cliffs has the upper hand in terms of overall stats and recent play, Cedar has the home-court advantage in their upcoming game, which could give them the boost they need. Fans of both teams will be eagerly watching to see which squad comes out on top in this highly anticipated regional rivalry.