The Riverside Christian varsity basketball team (Yakima, WA) is hosting a home conference game against DeSales (Walla Walla, WA) today at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Basketball
Who: DeSales vs Riverside Christian
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: DeSales vs Riverside Christian

Basketball fans in Washington are in for a treat as the DeSales Irish and Riverside Christian Crusaders prepare to clash in a much-anticipated varsity game. Both teams have had strong starts to their 2024-25 seasons, with high stakes as they compete for dominance in their district. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats, player highlights, and what to expect in their upcoming encounters.

Team Performance and Rankings

• DeSales: Ranked 65th in the state and 7th in their class, DeSales boasts a solid record of 4-1 overall and an unbeaten 2-0 in district play. With a win percentage of .800, the Irish are proving to be a formidable force, both offensively and defensively. They’ve outscored opponents by a significant margin, with 309 points for (PF) and only 167 points against (PA).
• Riverside Christian: Ranked 156th in the state and 26th in their class, the Crusaders have a strong 5-2 overall record and are also 2-0 in district games. Their win percentage stands at .714, with a potent offense averaging 67.9 points per game, backed by a 475 PF to 370 PA ratio.

Statistical Comparison

Player Spotlights

DeSales:

• Micah Morgan (#22): The standout player for the Irish, Morgan is averaging an impressive 20.7 points per game, making him a key offensive threat.
• Micah Rivera (#23): Dominating the boards with 4.3 rebounds per game.
• Jacob Fry (#1): A defensive anchor with 2.0 steals per game.

Riverside Christian:

• While individual stats for the Crusaders aren’t available, their balanced scoring and strong performances in high-scoring games suggest a well-rounded team effort.

Head-to-Head and Key Games

The two teams have yet to face each other this season, adding extra intrigue to their first matchup. Both squads are undefeated in district play, which sets the stage for a heated rivalry.

• Upcoming Matchups:
  • December 21, 2024: DeSales travels to Yakima to take on Riverside Christian in a critical away game. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
  • January 25, 2025: The Crusaders will visit DeSales for a rematch at 5:30 PM.

Common Opponents

Both teams have dominated their shared opponents, though Riverside Christian has played more games in this category. Notably:

• Prescott: DeSales defeated them 63-4, while Riverside Christian secured an 82-23 victory.
• Yakama Nation Tribal: DeSales won convincingly 76-34, while Riverside Christian edged them out 67-57.

Keys to Victory

• DeSales: The Irish need to lean on Micah Morgan’s scoring ability and maintain their stout defense to limit Riverside Christian’s high-powered offense.
• Riverside Christian: The Crusaders must capitalize on their scoring depth and maintain pressure on both ends of the court to exploit any weaknesses in DeSales’ gameplay.

Predictions and Expectations

With both teams showcasing strong performances so far, this game promises to be a thrilling contest. DeSales’ disciplined defense will be tested by Riverside Christian’s potent offense, making this a true battle of strengths. Fans should expect high energy, strategic plays, and a matchup that could set the tone for the rest of the district season.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown!