The Eastside (Butler, IN) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Lakeland (LaGrange, IN) today at 7:30 p.m.

Eastside vs Lakeland Game Info:

What: Indiana High School Basketball
Who: Eastside (IN) vs Lakeland (IN)
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Eastside vs Lakeland

As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, two teams from the same region are experiencing vastly different journeys. Lakeland and Eastside, both part of the same class, have showcased contrasting performances, leading to an interesting analysis of their rankings, team stats, and head-to-head comparison.

Lakeland’s Strong Start: 5-1 Record and Unbeaten in Conference Play

Lakeland’s basketball team has had a stellar season so far, posting an impressive 5-1 overall record. With a 3-0 record in conference play, the team has proven to be dominant within their league. Their overall winning percentage stands at an impressive .833, while they maintain a perfect 1.000 conference win percentage. On the offensive side, Lakeland has been efficient, scoring an average of 58 points per game. In fact, their fourth-quarter performances are particularly strong, averaging 12 points to seal victories.

Key players like Keyan Arroyo have led the team, with 15 points per game, 4.2 assists per game, and 2 steals per game. Cole Riehl has also been a standout with 5 rebounds per game, contributing to both the offense and defense. With a balanced game and strong leadership, Lakeland has been able to defeat common opponents such as Fremont, Fairfield, and Westview.

Eastside Struggles: 0-5 Record and a Long Road Ahead

In stark contrast, Eastside has faced difficulties throughout the season. With an overall record of 0-5, including 0-1 in the conference, they have yet to secure a win. The team’s struggles are reflected in their scoring, averaging just 34.4 points per game. Their offense has been inconsistent, with only 12.5 points per game in the first quarter and 4.5 points in the second quarter, making it hard for them to build any momentum.

Eastside’s leading player, Tariq Smith, is still finding his rhythm, with 8 points per game. However, the lack of consistent production from the team as a whole has made it difficult for Eastside to compete. Their lone conference loss was to Fremont, and they have also struggled in non-league matchups, leaving them with a steep climb ahead to get back into contention.

Team Stat Comparison

When comparing the team stats, Lakeland’s superior performance is evident across multiple categories. They outpace Eastside in several key metrics:

• Points Per Game: Lakeland’s offense averages 55.8 points per game, significantly higher than Eastside’s.
• Rebounds: Lakeland also dominates in rebounding, with 20.5 rebounds per game, compared to Eastside’s weaker performance.
• Assists & Steals: With 14.2 assists and 7.2 steals per game, Lakeland has shown better ball movement and defense.

Eastside, on the other hand, has struggled in both areas, with their points per game (34.4) far lower than what’s needed to compete at a higher level.

Head-to-Head Record and Common Opponents

Looking at their shared opponents, Lakeland has had a strong showing, defeating Fremont, Fairfield, and Westview. Their record against common opponents is a perfect 3-0. In contrast, Eastside has had trouble, with a 0-1 record against the same set of opponents. For example, Eastside lost to Prairie Heights in December, 65-32.

Looking ahead, Lakeland’s upcoming schedule includes matchups with West Noble and Central Noble, teams they’ve had success against in the past. Eastside, meanwhile, faces tough challenges against the same opponents, as well as upcoming games against Garrett and Churubusco.

The Road Ahead

As the season progresses, Lakeland looks poised to continue its strong form, with a solid lineup and a winning mindset. Their next few games against West Noble and Central Noble will be key tests as they seek to maintain their momentum and aim for a top spot in the conference.

For Eastside, the road to recovery will require a more efficient offense and improved team play. Their struggle to compete with stronger teams has highlighted the need for adjustments on both ends of the court. However, with the season still ongoing, they have the potential to regroup and turn things around in the second half of the year.

In conclusion, while Lakeland’s strong performance has earned them a spot as one of the top teams in the region, Eastside’s challenges offer an opportunity for growth. Only time will tell if Eastside can bounce back or if Lakeland can continue to dominate their competition throughout the season.