The Highland (Salt Lake City, UT) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against East (Salt Lake City, UT) on Friday, February 7, at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: East vs Highland
When: Friday, February 7, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: East vs Highland

As the Utah high school basketball season progresses, the upcoming matchup between East and Highland is one that basketball fans won’t want to miss. This conference game, set for February 7th at 7 p.m. at Highland, promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting seasons so far.

Season Overview: East (7-13, 1-8 Region) vs. Highland (17-3, 7-2 Region)

East, with a 7-13 overall record, has struggled this season. Their regional performance has been particularly challenging, with a 1-8 record. The team has averaged just 55.8 points per game, with their highest-scoring period being in the third quarter, where they average 15.9 points. East has been particularly vulnerable on defense, allowing an average of 1,219 points, and they’ve struggled to maintain consistency, especially on the road, with a 2-9 record in away games.

In contrast, Highland has been one of the top teams in Utah, boasting a 17-3 overall record and a strong 7-2 record in regional play. The team has a high-scoring offense, averaging 66.3 points per game. Highland’s balanced offensive attack shows in their consistent performance across all quarters, with their highest scoring quarter being the third at 18.1 points per game. Highland’s defense has also been impressive, holding opponents to 1,063 points over the season. The team has been dominant on the road, with a 6-2 away record, and they remain undefeated in neutral site games at 5-0.

Head-to-Head History: Highland Dominates

In their last matchup on January 17th, Highland defeated East 61-44 in a commanding victory. This win added to Highland’s record of 1-0 against East this season, giving them the upper hand heading into the February 7th game. The Highland team’s balanced scoring and solid defense were key to their dominant performance, and East will need to make significant adjustments to compete in the upcoming contest.

Key Players to Watch

For East, senior Logan Lunt has been a standout player, averaging 12.2 points per game, while also contributing 5.1 rebounds per game. Lunt will need to step up as the team’s leader if they hope to challenge Highland’s superior offense. Other key players for East include Jett Rimando, who averages 2.6 assists per game, and Jace Schneider, who leads the team in steals with 1.9 per game.

Highland’s offensive powerhouse comes in the form of Vai Higby, who leads the team with 13.7 points per game. Alongside him, Soren Ries has been a dominant presence, averaging 7.9 rebounds per game. Isaiah Drisdom, another key player, averages 5.4 assists and 3.1 steals per game. These players will be instrumental in continuing Highland’s success and potentially extending their winning streak.

Comparison to Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against several common opponents this season, with Highland coming out on top in most matchups. For example, when they faced Syracuse, Highland triumphed 74-62, while East fell 64-48. Similarly, Highland secured a 75-41 win over Jordan, while East managed only a narrow 62-60 victory against them. The stark contrast in these results highlights the challenges East will face in trying to overcome Highland’s formidable lineup.

Team Statistics

• East’s Stats:
  • Points Per Game: 48.0
  • Rebounds Per Game: 21.8
  • Assists Per Game: 8.3
  • Steals Per Game: 6.4
  • Blocks Per Game: 2.0
• Highland’s Stats:
  • Points Per Game: 67.5
  • Rebounds Per Game: 28.1
  • Assists Per Game: 15.0
  • Steals Per Game: 9.9
  • Blocks Per Game: 7.9

Highland has the clear edge in most statistical categories, including scoring, rebounding, and assists. The disparity in these numbers suggests that East will need to find a way to tighten up defensively and improve their efficiency on offense.

What to Expect in the Upcoming Game

As East travels to face Highland, the challenge will be steep. With Highland’s superior record, solid team chemistry, and balanced scoring, East will need a breakthrough performance from their top players, especially Lunt, to have a chance. Highland, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their dominance and maintain their spot at the top of the region.

The February 7th showdown will be crucial for both teams. For East, it’s a chance to prove that they can compete with the best, while for Highland, it’s an opportunity to further solidify their standing as one of the top teams in the state. Fans can expect an exciting game filled with fast-paced action, and it will certainly be one to watch as the season heads into its final stretch.