The East Lansing (MI) varsity basketball team is set to play a home conference game against Holt (MI) today at 6 p.m.

Game Information:

• Teams: Holt vs. East Lansing
• Date: Friday, Jan. 10, 2025
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here

Holt vs. East Lansing: A Basketball Showdown in Michigan

As the Michigan high school basketball season heats up, one matchup that has fans buzzing is the upcoming game between the Holt Rams and the East Lansing Trojans. Set to take place on January 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM at East Lansing’s home court, this conference game promises to be an exciting clash, showcasing two teams with very different records.

Current Season Overview

Holt (24-25)

The Holt Rams are entering this game with an overall record of 6-7, having faced a tough road in the league with a 1-4 record. While they have been competitive at home with a 3-4 record, their away performance has been a challenge with just one win in three games. Despite the struggles, Holt has a solid offensive presence, averaging 60.7 points per game. Senior standout Kelvin (KJ) Torbert, Jr. leads the team with an impressive 23.6 points per game. Along with Cameron Hutson, who dominates the boards with 8.6 rebounds per game, Holt remains a team to watch, especially with their strong individual performances.

East Lansing (24-25)

On the other hand, East Lansing comes into this game with a formidable 8-1 overall record, boasting a perfect 4-0 record in conference play. They have been dominant at home with a 4-1 record, and their away form has been equally strong, winning three out of three games. East Lansing’s offense is averaging 60.9 points per game, with a balanced attack led by Jayce (JL) Branson, who averages 2.8 steals per game, and Cameron Hutson, who also contributes significantly to the team’s defensive efforts with 1.6 blocks per game. With their well-rounded lineup and an undefeated record in league play, East Lansing is a tough contender.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Looking at their recent performances against common opponents, Holt has had a rougher time, posting a 1-6 record in these matchups, while East Lansing has fared significantly better with a 5-1 record. Holt has struggled against teams like Sexton, Muskegon, and Waverly, while East Lansing has found success, particularly with their wins over Waverly, Grand Ledge, and DeWitt. This trend highlights the contrasting form of the two teams.

Statistical Comparison

In terms of scoring, East Lansing has a slight edge with 60.9 points per game compared to Holt’s 60.7. However, the Rams have shown the ability to score consistently, averaging 14.0 points in both the third and fourth quarters. East Lansing, on the other hand, has demonstrated their offensive strength in the latter stages of games, averaging 19.1 points per game in the fourth quarter.

Key Players:

• Holt: The Rams’ top scorer, Kelvin (KJ) Torbert, Jr. with 23.6 points per game, is the key player to watch. With his ability to drive and score from all over the court, Torbert will be pivotal in Holt’s offensive efforts.
• East Lansing: East Lansing’s standout is Jayce (JL) Branson, whose defensive playmaking abilities, including 2.8 steals per game, will be critical in limiting Holt’s offensive production.

Looking Ahead

The two teams will face each other twice in the upcoming weeks. The first encounter on January 10th at East Lansing will set the tone for the rivalry. Holt will be looking to upset the undefeated conference record of East Lansing, while the Trojans aim to extend their perfect league run.

The February 14th rematch at Holt will also be crucial for both teams, potentially determining playoff positioning as the season progresses.

Conclusion

While East Lansing enters the game as the clear favorite with a strong overall record and dominance in conference play, Holt has individual players capable of challenging the Trojans’ defense. The game promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams looking to make a statement as they move through the second half of the season. Fans can expect a highly competitive game as these two Michigan high school basketball teams clash on the court.