The Cumberland Valley High School varsity basketball team from Mechanicsburg, PA, is hosting a non-conference game against Williamsport, PA, today at 2:30 PM.
Game Details
- Matchup: Williamsport vs. Cumberland Valley
- Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM
- Location: Cumberland Valley High School Athletics Facility
- Live stream: Watch Here
Cumberland Valley Dominates Williamsport in Season Comparisons
As the 2024-2025 season progresses, the stark differences between Williamsport and Cumberland Valley’s basketball programs are becoming more apparent. While both teams have shown flashes of talent, their performance metrics, records, and statistical averages paint two very different pictures.
Season Records and Rankings
- Williamsport:
With a 2-6 record, Williamsport is struggling to find consistent success. They rank 375th in Pennsylvania and 92nd in their class, highlighting a need for improvement across the board. Their .250 win percentage reflects a season filled with challenges, including tough losses at home and away. - Cumberland Valley:
Cumberland Valley, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 12-2 record. Ranked 4th in Pennsylvania and 3rd in their class, they are a powerhouse this season. Their .857 win percentage underscores their dominance in conference and non-conference play.
Team Performance Comparison
- Scoring Averages:
Cumberland Valley averages 68.1 points per game, compared to Williamsport’s 53.3. The Eagles consistently outscore their opponents across all quarters, with their strongest performances in the second and third quarters. - Defense:
Cumberland Valley also excels defensively, allowing only 714 points compared to the 953 points they’ve scored. Meanwhile, Williamsport has struggled, with 447 points allowed over just 8 games. - Player Contributions:
Williamsport leans heavily on #22 Nolan Buzalka, who leads the team in multiple categories:- Points Per Game: 21.1
- Rebounds Per Game: 10.2
- Assists Per Game: 4.7
However, the team’s over-reliance on a single player might limit their flexibility.
Cumberland Valley, with a deeper roster, spreads contributions more evenly across the team. This balanced approach strengthens their consistency in games.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
Although the two teams haven’t faced off directly this season, their performances against common opponents offer valuable insights:
- Carlisle:
- Williamsport lost 57-50 on December 3, 2024.
- Cumberland Valley defeated Carlisle 63-54 on December 10, 2024.
- State College:
- Williamsport suffered a heartbreaking 58-57 loss on January 4, 2025.
- Cumberland Valley dominated with a decisive 52-31 victory on January 7, 2025.
- Harrisburg and Altoona:
Cumberland Valley secured commanding wins over both, while Williamsport’s matchups against these teams remain on their schedule.
Cumberland Valley’s clean sweep (4-0) against shared opponents further emphasizes their strength compared to Williamsport’s 0-2 record.
Path Forward for Williamsport
Williamsport faces a tough road ahead as they aim to improve their record. To compete with top teams like Cumberland Valley, they’ll need:
- Greater scoring support for Nolan Buzalka to ease the offensive burden.
- Improved defensive strategies to reduce opponent scoring.
- A focus on building momentum in key moments, especially in close games.
Conclusion
Cumberland Valley’s stellar performance this season cements their status as a title contender, while Williamsport continues to search for answers. The gap in records, statistics, and team depth highlights the disparity between the two programs. If the teams do meet later this season, Cumberland Valley would enter as the overwhelming favorite.
