As the 2024-2025 season continues to unfold, two high school basketball teams, Ralston Valley and Fountain-Fort Carson, have made their mark with differing records and impressive individual performances. Here’s a closer look at how these two teams stack up against each other, highlighting their overall performance, key players, and upcoming matchups.

Ralston Valley (4-2)

Ralston Valley comes into the season with a solid 4-2 record, with a strong performance both at home and on neutral grounds. The team boasts a .667 win percentage, scoring an average of 53.8 points per game. Their scoring breakdown by quarter shows a consistent offensive presence: 12.8 points in the first, 16.5 in the second, 9.5 in the third, and 15.0 in the final quarter.

Key player Santana Sabus leads the team with an impressive 22.3 points per game and 10.0 rebounds per game, making her a standout both offensively and on the boards. Sammi Madden and Kailey Townsend also contribute, with Madden averaging 3 assists per game and Townsend providing a strong defensive presence with 0.5 blocks per game.

Fountain-Fort Carson (1-3)

Fountain-Fort Carson, on the other hand, has faced some struggles this season with a 1-3 record, though they are showing potential for growth. Their overall points per game average sits at 39.8, and their scoring by quarter is a bit more erratic, averaging 5.7 points in the first, 10.3 in the second, 6.7 in the third, and 8.7 in the final period.

Darianna Rodrigues-Smith has been the team’s top scorer, averaging 9.7 points per game, with Amiyah Nash contributing 6.0 rebounds per game. Rodrigues-Smith also leads in assists and steals, with 3.7 assists and 4.0 steals per game, showcasing her all-around playmaking ability.

Key Team Stats Comparison

As seen in the comparison, Ralston Valley has the edge in offensive production, rebounds, and assists. However, Fountain-Fort Carson excels in steals per game, highlighting their defensive tenacity.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

While these two teams have not faced each other yet this season, they share several common opponents. Ralston Valley’s recent matchup with Pine Creek resulted in a 47-43 loss, while Fountain-Fort Carson will face Pine Creek in January. Both teams will also go head-to-head against Lakewood and Doherty later in the season, making those games crucial for determining their standing.

Upcoming Matchups

Ralston Valley will be looking to extend its winning record, particularly in upcoming non-league matchups. One key game is against Lakewood on January 24, 2025. Fountain-Fort Carson, hoping to recover from its early-season struggles, will also have important games ahead, including a home matchup against Lakewood on December 18, 2024.

Both teams are eager to improve their records and strengthen their play as the season progresses. With standout performances from players like Santana Sabus for Ralston Valley and Darianna Rodrigues-Smith for Fountain-Fort Carson, it’s clear that the remainder of the season will be exciting for both teams.

In conclusion, Ralston Valley’s strong start to the season sets them apart, but Fountain-Fort Carson’s resilience and capable players ensure that any upcoming matchups will be competitive and could go either way. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of both teams as they look to secure their places in the postseason.