As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season unfolds, two teams in Washington have captured attention with their performances: East Valley and Columbia. These two schools are showing contrasting results, with East Valley finding a .500 win percentage and Columbia dominating their competition with a perfect 8-0 record. Below is a look at how these teams are performing and what sets them apart this season.

East Valley Basketball Overview

East Valley (Yakima) enters the 2024-2025 season with an overall record of 3-3. The team has faced some challenges, but they remain competitive, with a win percentage of .500 both overall and in district play. East Valley has a mixed record when it comes to home and away games, sitting at 2-3 at home and 1-0 on the road. With a total of 379 points scored and 355 points allowed, East Valley is showing they can keep games close, averaging 63.2 points per game.

Notable games include a tough loss to Selah on December 14, 2024, where East Valley fell 78-64, as well as an earlier victory against Eisenhower on December 4, 2024. Despite these losses, the team has demonstrated resilience and the ability to compete at a high level.

Columbia Basketball Overview

In stark contrast, Columbia’s basketball team has been nothing short of dominant in the 2024-2025 season. The team boasts a perfect 8-0 record overall and a 2-0 record in league play. Columbia has managed to win every game, including a flawless 4-0 record both at home and away. With an impressive 591 points scored and 366 points allowed, Columbia averages 73.9 points per game—significantly higher than East Valley’s scoring average.

Columbia’s early season success reflects their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball. With a winning streak that includes victories against district opponents and non-league teams, Columbia has solidified itself as a team to watch this season.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

While East Valley and Columbia have yet to meet this season, both teams have faced a common opponent in Selah. East Valley played Selah on December 14, 2024, and suffered a 78-64 loss. Columbia, on the other hand, will face Selah on January 3, 2025, and the result of that game will be telling in how these two teams compare directly.

Team Scoring and Defensive Strengths

East Valley has been competitive offensively, averaging 63.2 points per game. Their ability to score is crucial to their overall competitiveness, but they will need to increase their offensive output to match teams like Columbia. On defense, East Valley has allowed an average of 355 points across 6 games, indicating that their defense is capable but needs to improve to secure more wins.

Columbia, however, has been highly effective both offensively and defensively. Averaging nearly 74 points per game, they have been a consistent scoring threat and have kept opponents to a reasonable 366 points in their 8 games. Their high-scoring nature combined with strong defense makes them a formidable force in the league.

Looking Ahead: Key Games and Playoff Potential

As the season progresses, East Valley will need to find a way to improve their consistency and scoring. Games against teams like Selah will be critical in determining their playoff prospects. With a 2-2 district record, they still have a chance to make an impact in their district.

For Columbia, the sky’s the limit. Their perfect 8-0 record puts them in a strong position to make a deep playoff run. With continued success against district rivals and non-league opponents, Columbia will look to maintain their undefeated streak and aim for a high seed in the postseason.

Conclusion

The 2024-2025 season has brought an exciting contrast between East Valley and Columbia, two teams with distinct trajectories. While East Valley seeks to balance offense and defense for better results, Columbia continues to roll, maintaining an undefeated record. Both teams are sure to provide thrilling basketball as the season progresses. Fans of high school basketball in Washington will want to keep an eye on both, especially as they approach matchups that could shape their playoff fates.