The Puyallup (WA) varsity basketball team will host a conference game against Emerald Ridge (South Hill, WA) tonight at 7 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Basketball
Who: Emerald Ridge vs Puyallup
When: Friday, February 14, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Emerald Ridge vs Puyallup

As the 2024-25 Washington high school basketball season progresses, two teams have stood out in competitive play: Emerald Ridge and Puyallup. Both teams have had impressive runs, displaying strong performances in league and non-league games. Let’s take a closer look at their records, key matchups, and what lies ahead for these top teams.

Season Performance and Rankings

Emerald Ridge has put together a strong 17-6 overall record with a 5-3 mark in district play. Their home record is particularly impressive at 10-2, while they’ve maintained a competitive 7-4 record in away games. They have managed to score 1,418 points this season while conceding 1,189.

Meanwhile, Puyallup has been a dominant force, boasting a 19-5 overall record with a 9-2 district standing. Their undefeated 13-0 home record highlights their ability to protect their court. Puyallup has a higher scoring output with 1,531 points and has allowed 1,212 points against.

Scoring Averages and Trends

When it comes to scoring, both teams show different strengths across quarters. Puyallup averages 63.8 points per game, with particularly strong first and third quarters, scoring 19.8 points in each. In contrast, Emerald Ridge averages 61.7 points per game, with a well-balanced approach across all quarters.

Head-to-Head Matchups

The rivalry between these two teams has been competitive this season:

• December 10, 2024: Puyallup dominated the first matchup with a 70-44 win.
• January 24, 2025: Emerald Ridge bounced back with a 65-52 victory at home.
• February 8, 2025: Puyallup edged out Emerald Ridge 53-48 in a tightly contested game.

With Puyallup leading the season series 2-1, their head-to-head matchups have been crucial in determining their standings.

Performance Against Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar competition, with Puyallup posting a 13-2 record against common opponents while Emerald Ridge finished 13-3. Notable results include:

• Both teams secured wins against Curtis, but Puyallup fell to them once (58-56), while Emerald Ridge swept them.
• Puyallup had a dominant win over Rogers (74-59), while Emerald Ridge suffered a narrow 61-60 loss but later won their rematch.
• Both teams played strong against South Kitsap, Sumner, and Spanaway Lake, with only minor discrepancies in final scores.

Home and Away Strengths

A key factor in Puyallup’s success has been their perfect 13-0 home record, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on their home-court advantage. Meanwhile, Emerald Ridge has been solid at home with a 10-2 record but has proven to be slightly more resilient on the road with a 7-4 mark.

Playoff Implications and What’s Next

With both teams posting strong seasons, the focus now shifts to playoff positioning. Puyallup’s district dominance at 9-2 gives them an edge heading into the postseason, while Emerald Ridge will look to build momentum from their solid performances against tough competition.

As the season nears its conclusion, both teams will aim to refine their play and make a deep run in the state playoffs. Their matchups have been intense and could set the stage for another thrilling showdown in the postseason.

Fans should stay tuned as these teams continue their journey in Washington high school basketball, with potential rematches offering more excitement in the weeks ahead.