The East Bay High School (Gibsonton, FL) varsity basketball team will play a neutral-site tournament game against Upperman High School (Baxter, TN) on Friday, December 20, at 7:30 PM during the Christmas Invitational.

Here’s what you need to Basketball know:

What: Tennessee High School Basketball
Who: East Bay vs Upperman
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Upperman vs. East Bay: A Showdown of Champions

As the 2024-2025 basketball season heats up, one matchup that has fans buzzing is the clash between Upperman (TN) and East Bay (FL). Both teams bring impressive records and distinct styles of play to the court, but the question remains—who will come out on top?

Upperman: Perfect Season So Far

Upperman (TN) has been nothing short of dominant in their 2024-2025 campaign, boasting a perfect 7-0 record. The team’s unblemished record includes a 4-0 mark at home, a 2-0 record on the road, and a 1-0 showing at neutral sites. Upperman’s offense has been prolific, averaging nearly 75 points per game, with their scoring ability evident in each quarter.

In the first quarter alone, Upperman puts up an impressive 28 points per game, which sets the tone for the rest of the match. Their offense remains efficient throughout, finishing strong with a fourth-quarter average of 15 points, maintaining a steady pace throughout the game.

Key Players:

• Kyree Williams has been a standout performer, leading the team in scoring with an average of 13.8 points per game. Williams is also a defensive force, contributing 2.9 steals per game.
• Nicholas Ghent has been the key presence in the paint, leading the team with 6.6 rebounds per game.
• Lamardea Anderson has been a reliable shot-blocker, averaging 0.6 blocks per game.

East Bay: A Solid Record with Room for Improvement

East Bay (FL), with a record of 7-4, is no slouch either. However, the team has faced some challenges, especially in district play, where they hold a 0-1 mark. Despite these setbacks, East Bay’s overall performance has been impressive, with a .636 win percentage. Their scoring averages, though lower than Upperman’s, remain solid, finishing games with an average of 55.6 points per contest.

The team starts slow, with their first-quarter scoring average of 14.8 points per game, but they are resilient, continuing to score throughout the game. Their ability to consistently put up solid numbers in the second and third quarters (14.3 and 17.3 points, respectively) helps them remain competitive.

Key Players:

• Mohsin Hemmings stands out for his all-around game, contributing 2.9 assists per game while averaging 5.3 points.
• Kyree Williams also shines for East Bay, leading them in steals with 2.9 per game.
• The team’s top rebounder, while not as dominant as Upperman’s, contributes valuable minutes in the paint.

Key Statistical Comparisons

Looking at the team stats, Upperman clearly outpaces East Bay in key areas. Upperman averages 40.1 points per game, a full 14.5 points higher than East Bay’s 55.6. Defensively, Upperman also outperforms East Bay in steals, with 9.7 steals per game compared to East Bay’s 1.7. However, East Bay has an advantage in rebounds, with 20.5 per game, which could be key to slowing down Upperman’s high-powered offense.

Record Breakdown

• Upperman has been perfect in non-league games with a 7-0 record. Their dominance on the road (2-0) and at neutral sites (1-0) gives them a clear edge in experience in different environments.
• East Bay has been strong in non-league play as well, finishing with a 7-3 record, though their district performance (0-1) leaves room for improvement.

In terms of head-to-head play, both teams have not yet faced each other, but their contrasting styles of play suggest this matchup will be exciting. Upperman’s high-flying offense and defensive tenacity versus East Bay’s gritty play and rebounding advantage will make for a thrilling game.

Conclusion: A Battle of Strengths

This matchup between Upperman and East Bay promises to be one for the books. Upperman’s undefeated record and potent offense give them the edge heading into the game, but East Bay’s strong rebounding and steady play make them a formidable opponent. Whether Upperman can continue their perfect season or if East Bay can pull off an upset will be determined on the court in what is sure to be an exhilarating contest. Fans of both teams are in for a treat as two powerhouse teams from different regions clash in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.