The Cumberland Valley Varsity Basketball Team will host Central Dauphin East in a home conference game on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Pennsylvania High School Basketball
Who: Cumberland Valley vs Central Dauphin East
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Central Dauphin East vs. Cumberland Valley: A Tale of Two Seasons

The basketball rivalry between Central Dauphin East and Cumberland Valley is heating up, with both teams set for an exciting conference matchup on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Cumberland Valley. While both teams have faced their fair share of challenges this season, their contrasting records and performances make this an intriguing matchup to watch.

Central Dauphin East: A Struggle to Find Consistency

Central Dauphin East has had a challenging season so far, with a 3-9 overall record and a winless conference performance of 0-5. The team has struggled to maintain consistency, both at home and away, with a record of 0-4 at home and 3-5 on the road. Despite these setbacks, they have shown flashes of promise, particularly in individual performances.

Leading the charge for Central Dauphin East is Nolan Buzalka, who has been the team’s standout player. Averaging 21.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.0 block per game, Buzalka has been a reliable force for the team in every facet of the game. However, the team as a whole has yet to find the collective rhythm needed to turn their season around.

Cumberland Valley: Dominating the Season

On the other side, Cumberland Valley has been enjoying a much more successful season. With an overall record of 10-2 and a strong conference record of 4-1, the team is riding high and remains a formidable force in the league. Cumberland Valley has been impressive at both home and away games, with a 5-1 record at home and a solid 4-1 mark in away games. Their offensive and defensive balance has been key to their success, with an average of 68.4 points per game, significantly higher than Central Dauphin East’s 55.0.

Cumberland Valley’s scoring is well-rounded, with several players contributing significantly to the team’s offensive output. They also have a much more solid team defensive performance, which is reflected in their 628 points allowed this season compared to the 757 points allowed by Central Dauphin East. The Eagles have benefitted from excellent team chemistry, with standout performances from various players, including a key contribution from their defense.

Key Matchups to Watch

Head-to-Head
The first matchup between these two teams will take place on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Cumberland Valley at 7:30 PM. The second game will be held at Central Dauphin East on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Fans of both teams are eagerly anticipating these games as they will likely play a major role in determining playoff positioning in the conference.

Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, but their records against those teams have varied. Central Dauphin East has struggled against common opponents, going 0-5, while Cumberland Valley has performed much better with a 4-1 record. This includes impressive victories over teams like Central Dauphin, Altoona, and Harrisburg, all of whom have also played against Central Dauphin East.

Scoring and Stat Comparison

• Points Per Game: Cumberland Valley has averaged 68.4 points per game, significantly outperforming Central Dauphin East’s 55.0.
• Rebounds: Both teams are fairly close in rebounding, with Central Dauphin East averaging 32.2 per game, led by Buzalka, compared to Cumberland Valley’s 32.2 per game.
• Assists: Cumberland Valley averages 15.2 assists per game, showing their more fluid and cohesive team play, compared to Central Dauphin East’s lower assist average of 11.8.
• Steals and Blocks: Central Dauphin East’s Jared Dolimpio leads the team in steals, while Buzalka is also a standout in blocks, highlighting his defensive presence in the paint.

A Look Ahead

With both teams vying for crucial league victories, the upcoming games will be a test of Central Dauphin East’s resilience and Cumberland Valley’s consistency. Central Dauphin East will need to rely on their star player, Buzalka, and improve their team play to compete with the high-flying Eagles, who have shown they are a powerhouse in the league.

Both games will be intense, and fans of both schools are sure to witness high-stakes basketball action. As the season progresses, these matchups could have significant implications on playoff positions, making these games even more exciting to follow. Will Central Dauphin East be able to turn the tide and pull off an upset, or will Cumberland Valley continue its dominance?

Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling basketball showdown!