As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, the matchups between Washington teams are heating up, with Curlew and Entiat delivering exciting games that showcase the varying strengths of their squads. Let’s take a closer look at these two teams, their current records, and their performance in recent head-to-head matchups.

Team Records and Rankings

• Curlew (24-25 Season): The Curlew Cougars are currently sitting at a 1-5 overall record, with a 1-2 district record. Their scoring has been somewhat limited this season, averaging 45.2 points per game, which has contributed to their struggles. The team has a challenging away record of 0-3, and they are looking to improve as they continue to face tough competition.
• Entiat (24-25 Season): In contrast, the Entiat Tigers have had a much stronger start to their season, with a 4-1 overall record and a perfect 2-0 in district play. They’ve been highly efficient on offense, averaging 48.6 points per game. Entiat’s well-balanced attack has been a key factor in their success, and their performance on the road has been impressive, with a 3-1 away record.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

In their most recent meeting on December 6, 2024, Entiat took home the victory in a non-conference game at Curlew. The Tigers won 48-43 in a game that was closer than the final score suggests. Entiat’s dominance in the third quarter, where they outscored Curlew 21-17, was crucial to their win. Curlew’s effort in the fourth quarter, where they scored 15 points, wasn’t enough to overcome the Tigers’ earlier momentum.

Scoring Averages and Key Players

Both teams feature standout players, but the statistics paint a clearer picture of their offensive strategies.

• Curlew has been led by #33, Luke Doyen, who averages 11.2 points per game, and #43, Logan Ringstad, contributing 6.2 rebounds per game. The Cougars’ offense has been more spread out across their lineup, though consistency has been an issue.
• Entiat, on the other hand, has benefited from a more balanced scoring attack. While no player stands out in terms of individual points per game, their overall team approach has led to a more potent offense, as evidenced by their impressive third-quarter performance in their last meeting with Curlew.

Key Team Statistics

Here’s a closer look at some of the statistics that define each team:

Curlew has struggled in key areas such as rebounding and assists, which has put additional pressure on their defense. Meanwhile, Entiat’s scoring in the third quarter shows that they have the ability to turn up the heat when needed, especially in crucial moments of the game.

Upcoming Schedule and Common Opponents

Looking ahead, both teams have several important games on their schedule. They will continue to face common opponents like Oroville, Waterville, and Pateros, which will provide opportunities to improve their records. For example, Curlew faces Oroville on January 4, 2025, while Entiat will play Oroville on January 17, 2025. These games could impact the overall standings for both teams.

Conclusion

As we move further into the 2024-2025 basketball season, Entiat has emerged as the stronger team with an impressive 4-1 record, particularly excelling in district play. Their balanced offense and strong third-quarter performances have been key to their success. Meanwhile, Curlew will need to make adjustments, particularly in their scoring consistency and overall defense, to turn their season around and compete more effectively in their district.

Fans of both teams will no doubt be looking forward to their next matchups, especially as these teams continue to develop throughout the season. With key games against common opponents on the horizon, both Curlew and Entiat will have the chance to improve and make a statement as the postseason approaches.