The Merit Preparatory Academy varsity basketball team (Springville, UT) will host a conference game against Freedom Prep Academy (Provo, UT) on Friday, January 17 at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Freedom Prep Academy vs Merit Preparatory Academy
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Freedom Prep Academy vs Merit Preparatory Academy
As the 2024-2025 Utah high school basketball season continues to heat up, the matchup between Freedom Prep Academy (Provo, UT) and Merit Preparatory Academy (Springville, UT) is drawing considerable attention. Both teams are competing in the same region, with an upcoming game on January 17, 2025, scheduled at Merit Preparatory Academy, and a return game on February 7, 2025, at Freedom Prep Academy. Here’s a closer look at the stats, records, and head-to-head comparison of these two teams.
Freedom Prep Academy Overview
Freedom Prep Academy is currently navigating through a challenging season. With a 5-9 overall record and a 2-3 mark in the region, the team has had its struggles but remains a competitive force. The team averages 41.4 points per game, a number that reflects some difficulties in scoring. Their defense has also been a concern, with an average of 835 points allowed so far this season.
Key players for Freedom Prep include Wyatt Leigh, who leads the team with 15.7 points per game, and also stands out with 6.4 rebounds per game. Despite some difficulties in overall performance, Leigh’s consistent effort has been a bright spot. Other contributors like Joseph Black and Manuel Aguilera Hernandez add depth to the team, with Black also contributing defensively with 0.9 assists per game.
On average, Freedom Prep struggles most in the second half, often faltering after strong starts. Their scoring averages in quarters are as follows:
- Q1: 11.2
- Q2: 12.1
- Q3: 10.8
- Q4: 8.5
Their upcoming matchup against Merit Preparatory Academy will be crucial for improving their regional standing and momentum going forward.
Merit Preparatory Academy Overview
On the other side, Merit Preparatory Academy has had a much more successful season thus far. With a 9-4 overall record and a perfect 3-0 mark in regional games, the team has proven to be a formidable opponent. Averaging 72.7 points per game, Merit Prep’s offense is significantly more potent than Freedom Prep’s, with their scoring spread across all quarters:
- Q1: 16.9
- Q2: 18.9
- Q3: 21.9
- Q4: 14.5
Merit’s ability to score consistently in the second half sets them apart from many teams, as they’re capable of closing out games with a strong push. Notable players for Merit Preparatory Academy include Cruz Steinman, who leads the team with 16.5 points per game, and Ayden Martinez, who contributes significantly with 6.3 rebounds per game. Other key players like Michigan Draper and Miles Petersen are crucial in the assists and steals categories, with Draper also standing out as a defensive presence with 5.0 steals per game.
Merit Prep’s strong defense has been another key factor, with the team limiting opponents to an average of 588 points on the season.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Looking at the head-to-head statistics, Merit Preparatory Academy clearly stands out in several key areas. They score nearly 31 more points per game than Freedom Prep, and their defense has been more effective, allowing fewer points overall. While Freedom Prep has managed to secure victories against some teams like Telos and Utah Military Academy – Camp Williams, they’ve struggled against higher-tier competition, suffering heavy losses against teams such as Pinnacle, Rockwell, and Vanguard Academy.
Merit Preparatory Academy, however, has a much stronger record against common opponents, posting an impressive 8-2 mark compared to Freedom Prep’s 5-6. The teams share several common opponents, including Pinnacle, Telos, and Utah Military Academy – Camp Williams, with Merit winning most of those matchups by substantial margins. Notably, Merit Prep triumphed over Pinnacle 85-53, while Freedom Prep suffered a close 64-56 loss to the same team.
Looking Ahead
The first game between Freedom Prep Academy and Merit Preparatory Academy, set for January 17, will provide an exciting opportunity to see whether Freedom Prep can turn around its season and challenge Merit’s dominance in the region. With both teams boasting solid leadership, it will be a clash of contrasting styles: Freedom Prep’s defensive grit and individual star power versus Merit Prep’s dynamic offense and depth.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses. For Freedom Prep, it’s a matter of consistency and improving their scoring output. For Merit Prep, maintaining their strong form will be key to asserting themselves as a true contender for the region title. Fans can expect an exciting game full of intense competition as both teams look to solidify their standing.
The outcome of these matchups will be crucial in shaping the playoff race and determining which team advances to the next level. For now, all eyes will be on the January 17 showdown between Freedom Prep Academy and Merit Preparatory Academy.
