The Fort Wayne Canterbury varsity basketball team (Fort Wayne, IN) will host a non-conference game against Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian (Fort Wayne, IN) today at 7:30 PM.

Fort Wayne Canterbury vs Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian Game Info:

What: Indiana High School Basketball
Who: Fort Wayne Canterbury (IN) vs Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian (IN)
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Fort Wayne Canterbury vs Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian

The 2024-2025 high school basketball season showcases an intriguing comparison between Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian and Fort Wayne Canterbury. While both teams have shown their strengths, Blackhawk Christian stands out with superior performance metrics, showcasing a strong season overall. Here’s an in-depth analysis of their rankings, records, scoring averages, and team statistics.

Rankings and Records

Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian (24-25)

• State Rank: 16
• Class Rank: 4
• Record: 5-1 (Home: 3-0 | Away: 2-0 | Neutral: 0-1)
• Win Percentage: 83.3%
• Points Scored (PF): 362
• Points Allowed (PA): 266

Fort Wayne Canterbury (24-25)

• State Rank: 213
• Class Rank: 41
• Record: 3-2 (Home: 2-1 | Away: 1-1)
• Win Percentage: 60.0%
• Points Scored (PF): 244
• Points Allowed (PA): 241

Blackhawk Christian holds a distinct edge with a higher win percentage, stronger state and class rankings, and a more dominant scoring margin (96 points differential compared to Canterbury’s 3).

Team Scoring Averages

Blackhawk Christian excels in offensive consistency, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they average a remarkable 21 points. Their scoring averages per quarter reflect a balanced attack:

• Q1: 15.5
• Q2: 11.0
• Q3: 12.5
• Q4: 21.0
• Final Average: 60.3 PPG

Canterbury struggles with consistency, though they’ve shown resilience in overtime situations. Their averages:

• Q1: 12.5
• Q2: 11.0
• Q3: 10.8
• Q4: 11.5
• OT1: 7.0
• OT2: 9.0
• Final Average: 48.8 PPG

The fourth-quarter surge by Blackhawk Christian is a critical factor in their higher win percentage.

Team Stat Comparison

Blackhawk Christian’s dominance in scoring, rebounding, and assists demonstrates their ability to control games. Canterbury’s higher steal rate reflects their aggressive defensive strategy but highlights a potential gap in offensive execution.

Key Players

Blackhawk Christian is led by #4 Kellen Pickett, a versatile powerhouse:

• Points Per Game: 18.2
• Rebounds Per Game: 13.7
• Assists Per Game: 3.8
• Blocks Per Game: 3.3

Supporting him is Bryce Sefton (#23), contributing with 1.8 steals per game.

Canterbury relies heavily on #1 Alden Greider, their all-around standout:

• Points Per Game: 11.8
• Rebounds Per Game: 7.0
• Assists Per Game: 3.0
• Steals Per Game: 3.4

Thiran Padmalingam (#32) adds a defensive presence with 1.0 blocks per game.

Common Opponent Analysis

Blackhawk Christian’s success against common opponents is noteworthy, with a 2-0 record. In contrast, Canterbury has struggled, with a 0-1 record in such matchups.

• Notable Results:
  • Blackhawk Christian defeated New Haven 64-52. Canterbury’s upcoming game against New Haven will test their mettle.
  • Against Heritage, Blackhawk Christian earned a decisive 64-46 win. Canterbury faces Heritage soon and will aim to prove their competitiveness.

Outlook

Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian’s ability to dominate both ends of the court positions them as the stronger team this season. Their balanced scoring, robust defense, and standout performances from Kellen Pickett solidify their place as a formidable force.

Canterbury, while showing flashes of brilliance, must address offensive consistency to challenge higher-ranked opponents effectively. Upcoming games against common opponents provide them with an opportunity to refine their strategies and prove their resilience.

As the season progresses, the contrast between these teams highlights the importance of both individual brilliance and team cohesion in achieving success on the court.