The Garner (NC) varsity basketball team will face off against Clayton (NC) in a home conference game on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 7:00 PM.

Game Details:

• Teams: Clayton vs Garner
• Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Clayton vs. Garner: A High-Stakes Showdown in North Carolina Basketball

As the high school basketball season reaches its climax, the rivalry between Clayton and Garner stands out as one of the most thrilling matchups of the year. Both teams have had impressive runs this season, showcasing their strengths, resilience, and determination. Let’s dive into their performances, comparing their stats, and analyze their head-to-head results.

Team Performance Breakdown

Clayton (24-25):
The Clayton Comets have had a solid season with a 10-6 overall record and a 5-1 mark in conference play. Their strong showing at home (5-1) is complemented by a balanced performance on the road (3-3) and neutral sites (2-2). With an overall win percentage of .625 and a conference win rate of .833, Clayton has proven to be a formidable team. Their offense averages 70.3 points per game, with a scoring distribution of 17.0 in the first quarter, 14.3 in the second, 18.8 in the third, and 19.8 in the final quarter. This shows their ability to keep pace throughout the game, especially in the latter stages.

Garner (24-25):
Garner’s season has been nothing short of dominant. With a 16-2 overall record, they boast an undefeated 8-0 record in conference play. Garner has excelled in both home (7-0) and away games (6-1), while their neutral-site performance stands at 3-1. Their win percentage of .889 and perfect conference win rate (1.000) reflect their superiority. Garner scores 66.6 points per game, with a solid distribution: 14.0 in the first quarter, 16.3 in the second, 12.3 in the third, and 15.0 in the final quarter. While they score slightly less than Clayton, their consistency and control across all phases of the game make them a dangerous opponent.

Key Players and Stats

Clayton’s Top Performers:

• Andrew Grimes: Leading the team in points per game (14.4) and rebounds per game (6.8), Grimes is a key contributor on both ends of the court.
• Aiden Smalls: Averaging 3.8 assists per game and 1.8 steals, Smalls is pivotal in creating opportunities for his team while also providing defensive support.
• Preston Copeland: With 1.5 blocks per game, Copeland is an anchor in the paint, helping Clayton protect the rim.

Garner’s Key Players:
Though their player stats were not provided in detail, Garner’s success can be attributed to a well-rounded team effort. With a stellar 8-0 conference record, it’s clear that Garner’s team-oriented approach, especially in high-pressure games, has been a major factor in their dominant season.

Head-to-Head: Clayton vs. Garner

The most recent encounter between the two teams was on January 3rd, where Garner defeated Clayton 75-70 in a closely contested match. This victory added to Garner’s 1-0 head-to-head record over Clayton this season, highlighting their edge in this rivalry. However, with the next game set for January 31st, the Clayton Comets will be looking to exact revenge in their own territory.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several of the same opponents this season. While Clayton boasts an undefeated 6-0 record against common opponents, Garner’s 7-1 record is equally impressive. Key games against teams like South Garner, Fuquay-Varina, and Millbrook show how both teams stack up when facing similar competition.

The Big Picture

As the season progresses, the matchup between Clayton and Garner holds even greater significance. With a top-tier conference record and the chance to dominate the postseason, this rivalry will only intensify. The February games could be pivotal for both teams, with the final contest between them set for February 11th.

For Clayton, securing a win would be crucial in maintaining their position within the conference, especially with their strong home court advantage. Garner, however, will be motivated to continue their perfect conference record and extend their dominance.

Conclusion

In what promises to be an exciting showdown, Clayton and Garner’s basketball programs are primed for a thrilling rivalry. While Clayton has the edge in overall scoring, Garner’s balanced attack and stellar defense make them formidable opponents. As the season heads into its final stretch, expect fireworks when these two teams meet again. Fans of high school basketball in North Carolina won’t want to miss it.