The Defiance (OH) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Shawnee (Lima, OH) on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

Game Details

• Matchup: Shawnee vs Defiance
• Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here

Shawnee vs. Defiance: A Breakdown of the 2024-2025 Basketball Season

The 2024-2025 high school basketball season is heating up, and two teams in Ohio’s Division II are generating significant buzz: Shawnee and Defiance. Both squads have demonstrated impressive records and are performing well in their respective conferences. Let’s dive into the rankings, team statistics, and how these two teams compare as they head toward the latter part of their seasons.

Team Records and Rankings

• Shawnee boasts a strong 11-2 overall record with a perfect 3-0 conference record. The Indians have excelled at home, where they have won all five of their games. With a .846 win percentage, Shawnee has shown they are a force to be reckoned with both in and out of their home gym.
• Defiance, on the other hand, is off to a blistering start, holding a 10-1 overall record and a perfect 4-0 in conference play. The Bulldogs are also undefeated at home, with a .909 win percentage overall. Their consistency has made them a top contender in the conference.

Scoring and Performance Breakdown

When comparing the two teams’ scoring averages and statistics, Shawnee comes out on top in terms of points per game. They average 62.5 points per game, outscoring Defiance, which averages 51.4 points per game. The Indians’ scoring is spread out more evenly across four quarters, with Shawnee averaging 16.8 points in the first quarter, which often gives them an early edge.

Defiance has shown resilience, especially in the latter stages of the game, averaging 15.5 points in the fourth quarter. This suggests that while Shawnee may have a strong start, Defiance has a knack for closing out games strong.

Team Stat Comparison

• Shawnee dominates in key areas, particularly in rebounds, where they average 28.2 per game, along with 15.6 assists per game. Their ability to crash the boards and share the ball has been essential to their success.
• Defiance, however, still shows balance in terms of defense and offense, although they have not matched Shawnee’s numbers in rebounds and assists. They average 7.5 steals per game and 3.8 blocks per game, indicating a more defensive-minded approach. This defensive prowess, combined with their ability to finish games strong, has contributed to their success.

Key Players to Watch

For Shawnee, much of their success has been driven by Beckett Bertke, who leads the team with 21.6 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game. Bertke has been a standout player this season, impacting both ends of the court. His scoring and rebounding abilities will be pivotal as Shawnee continues its march through the season.

For Defiance, while there isn’t a standout in terms of scoring, the team relies on a balanced effort, with players contributing in various statistical categories. Still, Trevick Bertke has been solid, with 4.2 assists per game and 2.3 steals per game, helping to facilitate the offense and anchor the defense.

Head-to-Head with Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents, providing a useful comparison. Shawnee has a 5-1 record against common opponents, with notable victories over teams like Bath, Elida, and Celina. Defiance has a 4-1 record against the same opponents, suffering their only loss to Lima Central Catholic in early January.

Interestingly, both teams have matched up well against Wapakoneta and Memorial, showing that they can handle tough competition, but Shawnee’s higher overall win percentage gives them the edge in consistency against shared foes.

Remaining Schedule and Playoff Outlook

Shawnee and Defiance will continue to face off against tough competition in the coming weeks. Shawnee has games against Kenton, Wapakoneta, and Van Wert, while Defiance will square off against Elida, Celina, and Ottawa-Glandorf. Both teams have favorable home records, with Shawnee and Defiance both undefeated on their home courts.

Looking ahead to the playoffs, both teams are in a strong position to make deep runs, with Shawnee poised to continue its successful season and Defiance riding a hot streak of their own.

Conclusion

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, Shawnee and Defiance remain two of the most impressive teams in Ohio’s Division II. Shawnee’s high-powered offense and rebounding advantage put them in the driver’s seat, while Defiance’s defensive play and ability to close out games make them a tough opponent. As they approach key matchups and postseason play, all eyes will be on how these two teams continue to build on their strong seasons. Fans can expect intense games and high-level basketball as both teams push toward the playoffs.