The Ezell-Harding Christian varsity basketball team (Antioch, TN) will play a neutral-site tournament game against Hendersonville (TN) today at 8:30 p.m.
Here’s what you need Basketball to know:
What: Tennessee High School Basketball
Who: Ezell-Harding Christian vs Hendersonville
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 8:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
Hendersonville vs. Ezell-Harding Christian: A Clash of Basketball Titans in Tennessee
As the 2024-2025 basketball season heats up, fans are eagerly comparing the performances of two standout Tennessee high school teams: Hendersonville and Ezell-Harding Christian. While both teams have shown impressive talent on the court, their records, team stats, and player performances reveal different strengths that make for an exciting rivalry.
Team Overview: Hendersonville vs. Ezell-Harding Christian
Hendersonville
Record: 4-5
The Hendersonville team has had a mixed season so far, with a 4-5 overall record. They have faced some challenges on the road, posting a 1-3 record in away games. However, they have shown resilience with a .444 win percentage and a solid performance in home games, where they have earned a 2-2 record. Scoring an average of 41.8 points per game, Hendersonville has a strong offensive presence, with the team averaging a decent output across four quarters. However, their defense has given up an average of 429 points, reflecting the struggles they’ve faced in limiting opposing offenses.
Ezell-Harding Christian
Record: 12-0
On the other hand, Ezell-Harding Christian has been absolutely dominant this season, maintaining an undefeated record of 12-0. Their perfect run includes not only a flawless home and away record (6-0 in both categories) but also a perfect record in district games (3-0). This dominance is reflected in their incredible scoring, averaging 65.7 points per game — a full 24 points more than Hendersonville. Ezell-Harding Christian has also been tough on defense, allowing only 555 points throughout the season. With a potent offense and tight defense, they have proven to be one of the top teams in the state.
Scoring and Team Performance
When comparing scoring averages, the differences between these teams are evident. Hendersonville struggles to keep up with the pace of teams like Ezell-Harding Christian, whose high-scoring offense has allowed them to consistently dominate games. The chart below highlights their scoring breakdown by quarter:
| Quarter | Hendersonville | Ezell-Harding Christian |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 12.3 | 16.7 |
| Q2 | 11.7 | 15.7 |
| Q3 | 13.7 | 15.0 |
| Q4 | 14.0 | 20.3 |
| Final | 41.8 | 65.7 |
Ezell-Harding Christian shows a remarkable ability to close games strong, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they outscore Hendersonville by over 6 points on average. Their explosive scoring in the final frame — nearly doubling Hendersonville’s output — has been a key factor in their undefeated streak.
Statistical Leaders
Key players for both teams have been stepping up to lead their respective squads:
Hendersonville:
- Points per Game: Mj Gibbs leads the team with 16.7 points per game, significantly higher than the national average of 5.2.
- Rebounds per Game: Ali Tore has been a force in the paint, averaging 9.8 rebounds per game, well above the national average of 2.8.
- Assists per Game: Noah Kaufmann has been a playmaker, leading with 5.6 assists per game.
- Steals per Game: Mj Gibbs also shines on the defensive end with 2.0 steals per game.
- Blocks per Game: Ali Tore leads with 1.3 blocks per game, making him a key shot-blocker in the paint.
Ezell-Harding Christian:
- Points per Game: Ezell-Harding Christian has several scoring threats, with a balanced team effort contributing to their high scoring averages.
- Rebounds per Game: With an average of 34.5 rebounds per game, the team’s ability to control the boards has been a key part of their success.
- Assists per Game: Averaging 14.3 assists per game, Ezell-Harding Christian excels in team-oriented play, creating open shots for their teammates.
- Steals per Game: The team has been aggressive on defense, averaging 8.6 steals per game.
- Blocks per Game: With 3.3 blocks per game, they have been able to contest shots and protect the rim effectively.
Breakdown of Records and Matchups
Hendersonville’s 4-5 record, while not stellar, reflects a team that is still figuring things out, especially in away games. They have shown promise in their home games but will need to improve their defense to compete with top teams like Ezell-Harding Christian.
Ezell-Harding Christian, however, has been nearly flawless. Their 12-0 record is a testament to their dominance, particularly in district matchups, where they remain undefeated at 3-0. The team’s balanced scoring, strong defense, and unblemished win record make them one of the top teams in the state, if not the region.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
As the season continues, it will be exciting to see how Hendersonville can rebound and learn from their early struggles, especially as they look to improve their defense and consistency on the road. On the other hand, Ezell-Harding Christian looks poised to maintain their undefeated streak, with a well-rounded roster capable of both offensive firepower and defensive prowess. Both teams have bright futures, but for now, Ezell-Harding Christian stands as the undisputed leader in Tennessee high school basketball.
