As the 2024-2025 Virginia High School Basketball season unfolds, two teams are standing out for their impressive performances: Fairfax HomeSchool and Southern Maryland Christian Academy (SMCA). Both teams have shown great promise early on, with solid records and strong individual performances. Let’s take a deeper dive into their rankings, team stats, and what makes them formidable contenders this season.

Fairfax HomeSchool: A Strong Start

Fairfax HomeSchool has opened its season with a record of 5-1, boasting an impressive win percentage of .833. The team’s performance is balanced across various aspects of the game, with a record of 1-1 in the region and 3-0 at home. Despite the competitive nature of their region, the Fairfax team has managed to maintain a strong offensive and defensive presence, with a total of 401 points scored and 336 points allowed so far.

In terms of team performance, Fairfax HomeSchool averages 66.8 points per game. Their offensive strategy is defined by a strong first quarter where they score an average of 16 points, though their scoring drops in the second and fourth quarters. The team has a solid defensive approach, with key players leading in rebounds and blocks, particularly Ja’zyere Thompson, who averages 6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

Notable Players:

• Aaron McGlone leads the team with an average of 16.6 points per game.
• Ja’zyere Thompson stands out in both rebounds and blocks, averaging 6.0 and 1.6, respectively.
• Johnie Griffin III is a key playmaker, averaging 4.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game.

Fairfax HomeSchool will need to maintain their consistency, especially as they face tougher region matchups. They will be tested further in upcoming games, such as their matchup against The Living Water School, scheduled for February 3, 2025.

SMCA: Dominating Early in the Region

Southern Maryland Christian Academy (SMCA) has been equally dominant, starting the season with a 4-1 record, and an outstanding 2-0 mark in region play. The team’s overall win percentage stands at .800, and their offensive output of 350 points, paired with a defense that has only allowed 248 points, highlights their balanced gameplay.

SMCA averages 70.0 points per game, outpacing Fairfax HomeSchool’s scoring average. Their second and third quarters are particularly strong, with the team scoring an average of 13 and 24 points, respectively. Their ability to close games strong, particularly in the fourth quarter (averaging 19 points), is a key feature of their success.

Key Players for SMCA:

• Aaron McGlone, a standout performer, is a key contributor, averaging 16.6 points per game.
• Ja’zyere Thompson is essential in rebounding and shot-blocking, contributing heavily in both categories.
• Johnie Griffin III leads the team with an impressive 4.6 assists per game and is also a leader in steals.

Looking ahead, SMCA’s next game is also against The Living Water School, scheduled for December 19, 2024, followed by a non-league match on January 24, 2025, against the same opponent.

Head-to-Head: A Look at the Teams’ Common Opponents

While both teams have faced similar opponents, there are no head-to-head matchups between Fairfax HomeSchool and SMCA yet. Their common opponent this season is The Living Water School, which both teams are set to play later in the season. It will be interesting to see how each team performs against this shared competitor, potentially offering valuable insight into their relative strengths.

Key Statistical Comparisons

Let’s break down the team statistics to better understand their differences and similarities:

Both teams excel in different areas, with Fairfax HomeSchool having a slight edge in defensive metrics such as steals and blocks. SMCA, however, has proven more consistent in putting up higher points per game and maintaining offensive pressure throughout all quarters.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

The upcoming games for both teams will be pivotal in shaping their season. Fairfax HomeSchool will look to continue its dominant home-court advantage and improve their regional performance. SMCA, with its 2-0 region record, will look to maintain their strong start and prove that their offense can continue to shine against tougher opponents.

Both teams are poised for strong playoff pushes, and as the season progresses, fans will be keeping a close eye on these two rising programs in Virginia high school basketball.