The Potomac School varsity basketball team (McLean, VA) will face Episcopal (Alexandria, VA) in a neutral conference game today at 11:45 AM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Episcopal vs Potomac School
When: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Time: 11:45 AM. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Episcopal vs Potomac School

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season unfolds, two teams from Virginia, Episcopal and Potomac School, are drawing attention for their contrasting performances and stats. Here’s a breakdown of both teams’ rankings, records, and key stats so far this season.

Episcopal: A Strong Offensive Force

Episcopal currently holds a 6-3 overall record, with a region score of 0-1. While their regional performance has been slightly underwhelming, the team has shown a solid competitive spirit with impressive victories. Their offense is robust, averaging 64.7 points per game. They are particularly strong in the final quarter, where they average 17.0 points, highlighting their ability to close games effectively.

Key Players:

• Ben Edmonds is a standout player for Episcopal, leading with 15.1 points per game. His ability to contribute across multiple areas of the game makes him the focal point of the offense.
• Simas Kacerauskas dominates the boards, with an average of 11.7 rebounds per game, anchoring the team’s defense and second-chance opportunities.
• Ben Edmonds also contributes significantly on defense, averaging 2.9 steals per game, in addition to 3.1 assists.

Episcopal’s team statistics reflect their dominance in various areas:

• They average 52.6 points per game, nearly 10 more than their opponents (Potomac School at 43.2).
• Their rebounding edge is notable, pulling in 29.5 rebounds per game compared to Potomac School’s 23.9.
• With 8.0 assists and 6.6 steals per game, the team’s defense and playmaking abilities are clear strengths.

Potomac School: Competitive and Resilient

Potomac School, with a 6-5 record overall, has faced a bit more of a challenge this season, particularly in regional play, where they are 0-2. Despite this, their performance in non-league games has been more balanced, with a 4-2 record. Potomac’s offensive stats, while slightly lower than Episcopal’s, still show promise, with 60.1 points per game, especially in the fourth quarter where they average 17.9 points.

Key Players:

• Akim Iscandari, with 16.1 points per game, has been the driving force for Potomac School, consistently delivering strong performances and making a significant impact on both ends of the court.
• Daniel Russell is a key presence for Potomac, leading with 9.9 rebounds per game and contributing to the team’s defensive efforts. He also averages 1.7 blocks per game, providing much-needed rim protection.

Potomac School’s stats indicate their potential for growth:

• They average 43.2 points per game, nearly 10 fewer than Episcopal, but their ability to execute late in games keeps them competitive.
• Their defensive efforts include 5.9 steals and 1.8 blocks per game, with Iscandari and Russell playing pivotal roles.

Team Comparisons

Episcopal clearly outperforms Potomac School in most major categories, especially in scoring, rebounding, and steals. Episcopal’s defense and rebounding superiority allow them to maintain a stronger edge in overall play. However, Potomac School’s resilience, especially their ability to fight back in the second half, cannot be overlooked.

Head-to-Head & Common Opponents: Both teams share common opponents such as Saint Andrew’s Episcopal, Flint Hill, Saint John Paul the Great Catholic, and Saint James. Episcopal has shown solid results, notably a tight 56-55 win against Saint Andrew’s Episcopal. Potomac School, on the other hand, had a mixed performance against these opponents, including a loss to Flint Hill but strong wins against Saint John Paul the Great Catholic and Saint James.

Record Breakdown:

• Episcopal has a strong overall record of 6-3 but struggles in regional play (0-1).
• Potomac School’s overall record is 6-5, and their regional record (0-2) indicates the challenges they have faced against top-tier competition.
• Both teams perform better at home, with Potomac School at 4-2 and Episcopal at 3-1.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, both Episcopal and Potomac School will need to focus on improving their regional play. Episcopal’s balanced offensive attack and superior rebounding give them a slight edge, while Potomac School has shown resilience, especially in close games. The upcoming matchups against common opponents will be crucial for both teams to build momentum heading into the latter part of the season. With key players leading both teams, the Virginia basketball scene will continue to provide exciting matchups as the season unfolds.