The Bishop O’Connell varsity basketball team from Arlington, VA, will host a conference game against DeMatha from Hyattsville, MD, on Friday, December 20, at 7:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: DeMatha vs Bishop O’Connell
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: DeMatha vs Bishop O’Connell
The highly anticipated matchup between DeMatha Catholic High School (Hyattsville, MD) and Bishop O’Connell High School (Arlington, VA) promises to be an exciting battle of two high-performing basketball programs. Set to take place on Friday, December 20th, 2024, at 7:30 PM, this game will not only highlight each team’s strengths but also provide a preview of the intense rivalry expected throughout the season.
Team Performance Snapshot
DeMatha Stags (6-1)
- National Rank: 14
- Region Rank: 3
- Points Per Game: 68.4
- Top Scorer: #3 Ashton (Ace) Meeks (15.6 PPG)
- Home Record: 5-0
- Recent Highlights:
- A dominant 77-61 win against Brennan on December 7th.
- Strong performance in a 75-60 victory over Archbishop Carroll on December 10th.
The Stags bring a balanced attack to the court, led by standout players such as Ashton Meeks and Jamaal McKnight Jr., who leads in assists (5.4 APG). Their defensive edge is notable, with 8.7 steals per game and 4.3 blocks per game. The team thrives in high-scoring games, often breaking into the high 60s to low 70s range, and maintains an impressive 1.000 win percentage in regional play.
Bishop O’Connell Knights (6-2)
- National Rank: 35
- Region Rank: 9
- Points Per Game: 60.9
- Top Scorer: #1 Darius Bivins (13.8 PPG)
- Away Record: 4-0
- Recent Highlights:
- Narrow 46-45 win over Sidwell Friends School on December 14th.
- Dominant 73-35 victory against Saint John Paul the Great Catholic on December 4th.
The Knights demonstrate grit and resilience, with a perfect record on the road this season. Despite slightly lower scoring averages compared to DeMatha, Bishop O’Connell’s strength lies in its defensive consistency, with 8.9 steals per game led by Darius Bivins. Liam Koelsch anchors the interior, leading the team in rebounds (6.6 RPG) and blocks (1.3 BPG).
Team Comparisons
| Category | DeMatha | Bishop O’Connell |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 68.4 | 60.6 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 33.4 | 32.3 |
| Assists Per Game | 12.4 | 9.6 |
| Steals Per Game | 8.7 | 8.9 |
| Blocks Per Game | 4.3 | 3.8 |
DeMatha enters the matchup with an offensive edge, particularly in points and assists, while Bishop O’Connell holds a slight advantage in steals. The battle in the paint will be key, with both teams featuring strong rebounders and shot-blockers.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
This game marks the first meeting of the season between the two teams, with another clash scheduled for February 4th, 2025, at DeMatha. Both squads have faced Sidwell Friends and Brennan, with contrasting results:
- DeMatha suffered a 48-41 loss to Sidwell Friends, while Bishop O’Connell secured a 46-45 win.
- Against Brennan, DeMatha dominated, winning 77-61, while Bishop O’Connell fell 84-58.
These shared results highlight the unpredictability and competitiveness of both programs.
Key Players to Watch
- DeMatha:
- Ashton (Ace) Meeks (#3): Scoring leader with 15.6 PPG.
- Jamaal McKnight Jr. (#0): Playmaker with 5.4 APG and 2.1 SPG.
- Bishop O’Connell:
- Darius Bivins (#1): Leading scorer and defensive force with 13.8 PPG and 2.3 SPG.
- Liam Koelsch (#12): Key rebounder with 6.6 RPG and defensive presence.
Game Outlook
This matchup is shaping up to be a battle of strategy and execution. DeMatha’s offensive firepower will challenge Bishop O’Connell’s defensive strength, while the Knights’ ability to stay composed in tight games could give them an edge. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as these teams fight for dominance in the region.
Tip-off is at 7:30 PM at Bishop O’Connell High School—don’t miss the action!
