The McQueen Lancers (12-13, 5-11) and the Damonte Ranch Mustangs (16-8, 13-3) continue their fierce rivalry, with both teams set to square off in a pivotal playoff game today at 7:00 PM at Damonte Ranch. The game promises to be a battle of contrasting styles, as McQueen fights to turn around a season marked by inconsistency, while Damonte Ranch looks to continue its strong form heading into the postseason.

Team Records and Statistics

McQueen has had a rollercoaster season, with an overall record of 12-13 and a league record of 5-11. Despite struggling to find consistent success in the league, the Lancers have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their recent games. With an average of 57.8 points per game, McQueen has the ability to score, but their defense (allowing 1,525 points over the season) has often been their downfall. The team’s leading scorer, Abram Carpenter, has been a standout performer, averaging 11.7 points per game, while his rebounding prowess (6.7 RPG) has also been crucial for the Lancers.

In contrast, Damonte Ranch enters the game with a much stronger overall record of 16-8 and a dominant 13-3 mark in league play. The Mustangs have been on a tear recently, boasting a points-per-game average of 60.2, and their defense has been solid, allowing just 1,325 points on the season. Damonte Ranch’s Drew Dodson has been a powerhouse, leading the team with 20.7 points per game, while also contributing 6.2 rebounds per game. The Mustangs’ solid scoring and improved defensive capabilities have set them apart this season.

Recent Head-to-Head Results

Damonte Ranch has dominated the recent head-to-head matchups, winning both games played this season. On January 8, they secured an 81-61 victory over McQueen, followed by a 64-53 win on January 31. McQueen will be looking to reverse their fortunes and bring their best performance to this high-stakes playoff game.

Key Players and Matchup Breakdown

Looking at the statistical comparison, McQueen will need to rely heavily on Abram Carpenter to make an impact both on offense and on the boards. The Lancers’ chances will depend on whether Carpenter can exploit the Mustangs’ defense and generate enough points to match Damonte Ranch’s offense. The Lancers’ assist leader, Ej Coops (2.8 APG), will need to step up and create more playmaking opportunities to help diversify the offense.

For Damonte Ranch, much of their success has come from Drew Dodson’s exceptional scoring and rebounding ability, which will be a significant challenge for McQueen to contain. The Mustangs’ solid all-around play, including Jeriah Macias’ 3.5 assists per game and Kin Vong’s 2.0 steals per game, has made them a tough team to beat this season. With a strong home record (8-3) and the confidence of having already beaten McQueen twice this season, Damonte Ranch enters the game as the favorite.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season, and the results provide further insight into the teams’ relative strengths. Damonte Ranch has compiled an impressive 12-3 record against common opponents, while McQueen sits at 7-9. For instance, McQueen lost to Douglas twice (74-50, 69-54), while Damonte Ranch was able to secure a close victory against Douglas (53-51). This indicates that Damonte Ranch has consistently performed better against top-tier teams.

The Road Ahead

McQueen will need to dig deep and find a way to overcome their struggles from earlier in the season, especially when playing on the road. With a less-than-ideal 3-6 away record, the Lancers will be under pressure to produce their best performance to upset Damonte Ranch. On the other hand, the Mustangs’ strong home court advantage (8-3) and well-rounded team performance make them the favorites in this playoff matchup.

As the teams prepare for tonight’s showdown, the rivalry between McQueen and Damonte Ranch is sure to add another thrilling chapter to their history. With playoff aspirations on the line, fans can expect a fast-paced, high-intensity game filled with exciting moments. Will McQueen pull off the upset, or will Damonte Ranch continue its dominance? Only time will tell.

Game Details

• Teams: McQueen (12-13, 5-11) vs. Damonte Ranch (16-8, 13-3)
• Date & Time: February 11, 2025, 7:00 PM
• Location: Damonte Ranch High School, Reno, NV