The Cumberland Valley (Mechanicsburg, PA) varsity basketball team will play a neutral tournament game against Hazleton Area (Hazleton, PA) today at 7:30 PM.

Game Details:

• Matchup: Hazleton Area vs Cumberland Valley High School (CVHS)
• Date: Friday, Dec. 27, 2024
• Time: 7:30 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here

Hazleton Area vs. Cumberland Valley: A Statistical Showdown

As the 2024-2025 basketball season continues to unfold, Hazleton Area and Cumberland Valley are two teams on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of record and performance. With a combined 10-6 record between the two, they present an intriguing comparison, showcasing distinct strengths and strategies that have shaped their seasons so far.

Team Records and Performance

Hazleton Area enters the season with a 4-4 overall record, but a perfect 1-0 in conference play. Their record splits into a 1-3 mark at home, contrasting with a more solid 3-1 performance on the road. With 500 points scored and 486 allowed, Hazleton Area has maintained a balanced win percentage of .500 and is demonstrating promise for future growth.

On the other hand, Cumberland Valley boasts an impressive 6-2 overall record and a strong 3-1 mark in conference games. Their home and away performances mirror each other closely, with a 2-1 record at home and a 4-1 record on the road. Scoring 542 points while allowing only 437, they have proven themselves to be a tough opponent with a win percentage of .750, and a perfect 3-1 in conference play.

Team Scoring Averages

When it comes to scoring, Cumberland Valley leads with a higher average of 67.8 points per game, compared to Hazleton Area’s 62.5. The difference is most noticeable in the third quarter, where Cumberland Valley’s average of 20.9 points per game is significantly higher than Hazleton Area’s 14.5. This scoring efficiency is a testament to Cumberland Valley’s ability to adjust and dominate in the latter half of games.

Hazleton Area has a solid first quarter, averaging 17 points, but struggles to maintain that pace in the second quarter, with a noticeable drop to 10.5 points. Cumberland Valley, however, is more consistent throughout the game, with a steady rise from the first quarter (13.3) to the second (16.4) and a strong third-quarter surge. Both teams see a drop in their fourth-quarter production, with Hazleton Area averaging 14 points and Cumberland Valley 14.6.

Statistical Breakdown: Team Strengths

Both teams have shown strengths in different areas of their games. Cumberland Valley has the edge in key statistical categories such as rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. They average 31.5 rebounds per game and 14.8 assists per game, showcasing a well-rounded team effort on both ends of the floor. Their 4.6 steals per game and 3.8 blocks per game also highlight their defensive capabilities.

Hazleton Area’s standout player, Nolan Buzalka, is having a phenomenal season, leading the team with 21.8 points per game and 10.1 rebounds per game. Buzalka also contributes 4.0 assists per game, making him the focal point of Hazleton’s offense. On defense, Jenner Comstock leads the team with 1.0 steal per game, while Creston Austin is a presence in the paint with 1.3 blocks per game.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against common opponents this season, including Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre. Hazleton Area defeated Harrisburg 57-47 in their December 6th match-up, while Cumberland Valley posted a dominant 76-39 victory over the same team just 11 days later. Both teams also emerged victorious over Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton Area winning on January 4, 2025, while Cumberland Valley triumphed 72-68 in their meeting earlier in December.

In terms of their overall record against common opponents, Hazleton Area stands at 1-0, while Cumberland Valley is undefeated at 2-0. Both teams have shown they can handle their in-state competition, though Cumberland Valley has a more impressive overall record when facing non-league teams.

Concluding Thoughts

As both teams continue their season, they will look to build on their respective strengths. Hazleton Area will rely heavily on Buzalka’s scoring and rebounding abilities, while Cumberland Valley will continue to focus on their team-oriented play, capitalizing on their balanced scoring and defensive contributions.

Looking ahead, the upcoming matchups will be critical in determining how these teams progress through the remainder of the season, especially with Cumberland Valley’s strong early-season form and Hazleton Area’s resilience on the road. Their meeting in 2025 could prove to be a defining moment for both teams as they battle for positioning in the conference and beyond.