The Freedom Christian Academy varsity basketball team (Fayetteville, NC) will host Berean Baptist Academy (Fayetteville, NC) in a home conference game on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know Basketball:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Freedom Christian Academy vs Berean Baptist Academy
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

A Tale of Two Teams: Berean Baptist Academy vs. Freedom Christian Academy

As the high school basketball season heats up, the upcoming conference clash between Berean Baptist Academy (BBA) and Freedom Christian Academy (FCA) is generating significant buzz. Both teams hail from Fayetteville, NC, and with the game scheduled for Friday, December 13, at 7 p.m. at FCA, fans can expect a thrilling contest. Let’s break down the teams’ current form, stats, and what to look forward to in this matchup.

Team Overview

• Berean Baptist Academy (8-4 overall, 2-1 conference)
  • BBA is coming off a solid start to the season with a .667 win percentage, including an unbeaten home record of 4-0. The team has shown resilience, particularly in high-scoring games, with an average of 69.3 points per game. Led by senior standout Justin Caldwell (23.1 PPG), BBA is a potent offensive force, relying on a balanced attack and solid defense.
  • Team Scoring: BBA averages 18.8 points per quarter, with a slight increase in the second half as they score 40.2 points between the third and fourth quarters. Their total scoring output stands at 69.3 PPG.
• Freedom Christian Academy (4-7 overall, 1-2 conference)
  • FCA has had a rougher start, with a .364 overall win percentage. Their away record (2-5) has been a challenge, but they are a team that can explode offensively, averaging 78.0 points per game. Led by Karsten Swinney, who is posting an impressive 30.0 PPG, FCA is always a threat on offense, even if their defense has allowed a concerning 880 points in total this season.
  • Team Scoring: FCA averages 16.3 points in the first quarter, but they are strongest in the second half, scoring 41.7 points in the third and fourth quarters combined. Their overall scoring is slightly higher than BBA, at 78.0 PPG.

Key Players to Watch

• Berean Baptist Academy:
  • Justin Caldwell (#2): A scoring machine with 23.1 points per game. He is BBA’s primary offensive weapon and can change the game with his ability to drive to the basket or hit from beyond the arc.
  • Josiah Sanders (#22): Averaging 5.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, Sanders is a crucial all-around player who contributes significantly on both ends of the floor.
• Freedom Christian Academy:
  • Karsten Swinney (#1): The standout player for FCA, Swinney is averaging 30.0 PPG and is a key driver of their offense. His ability to score in multiple ways makes him a constant threat on the floor.
  • Haidyn Bell (#5): Averaging 8.8 rebounds per game, Bell is the anchor for FCA’s rebounding effort and provides critical second-chance opportunities for his team.

Statistical Comparison

• Offensive Efficiency:
  • BBA has been efficient in controlling the pace, scoring 63.2 points per game with balanced scoring across the board. In contrast, FCA’s offense has been more explosive, averaging 81.0 points per game but also giving up a lot of points (880).
• Rebounding:
  • FCA holds a significant edge in rebounding with 32.1 boards per game compared to BBA’s 19.9. This could be a crucial factor, especially in a fast-paced game where second-chance points are key.
• Assists and Steals:
  • FCA leads in assists (17.4 per game) and steals (8.1 per game), showcasing their ability to move the ball and disrupt opponents’ offenses. BBA averages 10.2 assists and 7.6 steals per game, which is respectable but not on the same level as FCA’s ball movement.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents, and their records provide further insight into their strengths and weaknesses:

• BBA vs. Oak City Prep: BBA won 74-60.
• FCA vs. Oak City Prep: FCA will face them on December 19.
• BBA vs. Village Christian Academy: BBA dominated 93-36.
• FCA vs. Village Christian Academy: FCA will play them on January 7, 2025.
• BBA vs. Trinity Christian: BBA narrowly lost 53-52.
• FCA vs. Trinity Christian: FCA was defeated 101-70.

The Rivalry and Upcoming Game

This game is set to be an exciting one, with both teams bringing different strengths to the table. BBA has the edge in overall record and a solid home-game advantage, while FCA will look to rely on their offensive firepower and rebounding strength. The head-to-head battle promises to be a clash of styles—BBA’s disciplined scoring against FCA’s high-paced attack.

The game on December 13 will be the first of two matchups this season, with the return game scheduled for January 24, 2025, at Berean Baptist Academy. It will be a crucial contest in shaping the conference standings, and both teams will be looking to get an edge over their rivals.

Looking Ahead

For Berean Baptist Academy, staying strong at home and continuing to leverage their balanced offense will be key. For Freedom Christian Academy, limiting turnovers and continuing to dominate the boards will give them a chance to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. It’s sure to be a game worth watching as both teams fight for conference supremacy.

As we count down the days until tip-off, fans can expect an intense, competitive game between two Fayetteville teams with much to prove. Stay tuned for what is sure to be a thrilling basketball showdown!