The Gaston Christian varsity basketball team (Gastonia, NC) will host Carmel Christian (Matthews, NC) in a non-conference home game on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Matchup Info
đź“… Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
đź“Ť Location: Gaston Christian (Gastonia, NC)
🏀 Game: Carmel Christian vs. Gaston Christian (Non-Conference)
- Live stream:Â Watch Here
- Live stream:Â Watch Here
Carmel Christian vs. Gaston Christian: A Statistical Breakdown of Two Powerhouse Teams
As the 2024-25 high school basketball season progresses, Carmel Christian and Gaston Christian have both established themselves as formidable teams in North Carolina. With impressive records and standout individual performances, these two squads are making waves in their respective classes. Here’s a deep dive into their season so far, comparing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact in postseason play.
Season Overview: Who Has the Edge?
Carmel Christian (Class 5)
- Overall Record: 15-6
- Home Record: 6-3
- Away Record: 5-0
- Neutral Record: 4-3
- Winning Percentage: .714
- Points Scored (PF): 1,355
- Points Allowed (PA): 1,169
Carmel Christian has been dominant at home and unbeatable on the road, boasting a perfect 5-0 away record. They have consistently outscored opponents and demonstrated strong defensive capabilities, keeping their points allowed per game (PA) relatively low.
Gaston Christian (Class 4)
- Overall Record: 19-7
- Conference Record: 7-2
- Home Record: 7-3
- Away Record: 6-3
- Neutral Record: 6-1
- Winning Percentage: .731
- Conference Win Percentage: .778
- Points Scored (PF): 1,587
- Points Allowed (PA): 1,352
Gaston Christian holds a slightly better winning percentage (.731) and excels in conference play (7-2 record), making them a tough competitor within their division. Their ability to perform in neutral-site games (6-1) suggests they are well-equipped for playoff environments.
Offensive & Defensive Comparison
Scoring Averages
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel Christian | 19.4 | 17.4 | 14.5 | 14.1 | 64.5 |
| Gaston Christian | 16.4 | 17.4 | 15.1 | 15.0 | 61.0 |
Carmel Christian has a higher overall scoring average (64.5 PPG vs. 61.0 PPG) and tends to come out strong in the first quarter (19.4 PPG), often setting the tempo early. Gaston Christian, however, has a slight edge in third- and fourth-quarter performance, which could make them dangerous in close games.
Team Statistics Comparison
| Category | Carmel Christian | Gaston Christian |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 64.5 | 61.0 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 21.3 | 31.0 |
| Assists Per Game | 11.7 | 14.9 |
| Steals Per Game | 8.0 | 10.0 |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.5 | 3.8 |
Gaston Christian dominates the boards (31.0 RPG vs. 21.3 RPG), a key factor in controlling the pace of the game. They also lead in assists (14.9 vs. 11.7) and steals (10.0 vs. 8.0), which suggests their defensive pressure creates scoring opportunities. Carmel Christian, however, still maintains a higher scoring average, indicating they are more efficient offensively.
Key Players to Watch
Carmel Christian Standouts
- Bryce Slay (#2) – 19.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG
- Braylen Bowman (#10) – 3.5 APG
- Grayson Riebe (#20) – 2.0 SPG
- Ethan Caldwell (#21) – 0.5 BPG
Bryce Slay is the undeniable offensive leader for Carmel Christian, averaging 19.0 points per game. His scoring ability will be crucial if Carmel Christian hopes to maintain their high-powered offense.
Gaston Christian Standouts
- Cameron Newman (#2) – 17.1 PPG, 4.8 APG, 2.7 SPG
- Dario Williams (#1) – 6.6 RPG
- Rilpuou Mabor Marier (#0) – 2.1 BPG
Gaston Christian’s Cameron Newman is a do-it-all guard, leading his team in points, assists, and steals. His versatility makes him a key playmaker. Meanwhile, Rilpuou Mabor Marier provides an intimidating presence inside with 2.1 blocks per game.
Head-to-Head & Common Opponents
Both teams have yet to face each other directly this season, but looking at their performances against common opponents can offer insight:
| Team | Common Opponent Record |
|---|---|
| Carmel Christian | 5-2 |
| Gaston Christian | 4-4 |
Carmel Christian has performed slightly better against mutual opponents, securing notable wins against Victory Christian Center and Davidson Day, two teams that Gaston Christian struggled against.
Notable Common Opponent Results
- Carmel Christian defeated Victory Christian Center (68-54), while Gaston Christian lost to them (54-36).
- Carmel Christian edged out Concord Academy (54-49), while Gaston Christian suffered two losses to them (80-77, 68-54).
- Gaston Christian defeated Queen’s Grant (58-56), while Carmel Christian lost to them (56-48).
Carmel Christian’s ability to perform better in these matchups could indicate a slight advantage heading into a potential head-to-head game.
Final Takeaway: Who’s the Stronger Contender?
- Carmel Christian has the upper hand in scoring efficiency, a better record against common opponents, and an undefeated road record.
- Gaston Christian counters with superior rebounding, defensive stats (blocks & steals), and a strong conference record.
- Key Matchups: Bryce Slay vs. Cameron Newman will be an exciting battle, and Gaston Christian’s rebounding edge could be a deciding factor.
If these two teams meet in postseason play, expect a highly competitive and intense game with contrasting styles—Carmel Christian’s efficient scoring and experience against Gaston Christian’s defensive pressure and rebounding dominance.
Who do you think would come out on top in a potential showdown
