The McDonogh (Owings Mills, MD) varsity basketball team is playing a neutral non-conference game against Episcopal (Alexandria, VA) today at 12:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Episcopal vs McDonogh
When: Today, December 21, 2024
Time: 12:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Episcopal vs McDonogh
As we head deeper into the 2024-2025 high school basketball season, both Episcopal (VA) and McDonogh (MD) are showing promising performances, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. This article will take a closer look at these two teams, comparing their overall records, team statistics, and notable players to better understand their respective seasons so far.
Team Records and Performance
Episcopal (VA) holds an overall record of 4-2 as of December 2024, with a slightly unbalanced performance in the region (0-1). Their non-league results have been more positive, with a 2-1 record, showcasing their ability to compete outside of regional matches. The team’s scoring average is 62.8 points per game, which highlights their balanced offense, particularly in the first quarter, where they average 16.3 points. Despite their competitive edge in some matchups, Episcopal has been outscored by their opponents in certain games, allowing 329 points across all their matches so far.
In comparison, McDonogh (MD) has played a slightly higher number of games, posting a 6-3 record with an impressive 2-1 region performance. Their overall win percentage stands at 66.7%, and they average 58.0 points per game, falling just short of Episcopal’s output. McDonogh’s team shows particular strength in the first quarter, with an average of 22.5 points, which could be key to getting an early lead in their games. While they have allowed 503 points over their nine games, their scoring output suggests they are capable of holding strong on offense.
Team Statistics
When comparing the two teams, several key statistical differences stand out:
- Points per Game: Episcopal scores slightly more, with 62.8 points per game compared to McDonogh’s 58.0.
- Rebounds per Game: McDonogh slightly edges out Episcopal with an average of 30.3 rebounds per game, compared to 30.0 for Episcopal.
- Assists per Game: McDonogh also leads in this category with 13.6 assists per game, nearly doubling Episcopal’s 8.3 assists per game.
- Steals per Game: McDonogh’s defense has been slightly more aggressive, averaging 7.9 steals compared to Episcopal’s 6.3.
- Blocks per Game: Episcopal has the upper hand in this area, with 4.7 blocks per game compared to McDonogh’s 2.1.
Key Players
For Episcopal, Ben Edmonds stands out as a leading figure. Averaging 15.4 points per game, Edmonds is the top scorer for the team, and his contributions don’t stop there. He also averages 4.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game, proving his all-around impact. Simas Kacerauskas, with 12.4 rebounds per game, has been a dominant force in the paint, as well as a shot-blocker, adding 2.8 blocks per game.
On the McDonogh side, Rob Fields is the clear star, leading the team with 16.4 points per game. Fields also leads in rebounds (9.1 per game), assists (2.7 per game), and steals (2.1 per game). His versatility makes him the focal point of McDonogh’s offense and defense. In terms of block production, McDonogh’s Rob Fields has contributed 1.1 blocks per game, which, while lower than Episcopal’s top players, still adds value in their defensive schemes.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced off against St. Paul’s this season. Episcopal narrowly lost to St. Paul’s 52-51 on December 20, 2024, while McDonogh triumphed over them 66-53 on December 9, 2024. This common opponent result showcases McDonogh’s ability to take control in crucial moments, while Episcopal continues to develop their consistency in closing out games.
Record Breakdown
Here’s a look at the breakdown of each team’s performance across various categories:
| Category | Episcopal (4-2) | McDonogh (6-3) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4-2 | 6-3 |
| Region | 0-1 | 2-1 |
| Non-League | 2-1 | 3-2 |
| Home | 1-0 | 3-0 |
| Away | 1-1 | 2-2 |
| Neutral | 2-1 | 1-1 |
| Playoff | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| In-State | 0-1 | 3-1 |
| Out-of-State | 2-1 | 1-1 |
Conclusion
Both Episcopal and McDonogh are competitive teams with solid records early in the season. Episcopal has a slightly higher scoring average and strong individual performances, particularly from Ben Edmonds and Simas Kacerauskas. However, McDonogh’s depth, especially from Rob Fields, makes them a formidable opponent. With both teams showing resilience and skill, their upcoming matchups will be critical in determining how they finish the season and prepare for playoff contention.
For fans of Virginia and Maryland high school basketball, these teams offer exciting basketball to watch, with promising talent on both sides.
