The Central Valley varsity basketball team will host a home conference game against Gonzaga Prep today at 7 p.m. in Spokane Valley, WA.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Basketball
Who: Gonzaga Prep vs Central Valley
When: Friday, January 24, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Gonzaga Prep vs Central Valley

The Washington high school basketball scene is heating up, and a head-to-head matchup between two top teams, Gonzaga Prep and Central Valley, is drawing plenty of attention. Both teams have been dominant in their respective leagues this season, with Gonzaga Prep showcasing an impressive 14-2 overall record and Central Valley at 8-7. However, these two teams are far from equal, especially when you break down their performance metrics, team scoring averages, and head-to-head results.

Team Performance: Gonzaga Prep vs. Central Valley

Gonzaga Prep (Spokane, WA) has been a powerhouse this season, boasting a strong .875 win percentage overall and a perfect 4-0 district record. They have been consistently dominant on the court, averaging 64.6 points per game, with their highest-scoring quarter being the first at 18.1 points. This offensive firepower has allowed them to remain at the top of their league. On defense, they’ve kept opponents to 829 points throughout the season, showing that their performance is well-rounded.

Meanwhile, Central Valley (Spokane Valley, WA) has had a more mixed season, with a win percentage of .533 and a district record of 3-1. Despite being competitive, the team has struggled in away games with a 3-6 record. However, they still manage to average 60.0 points per game, with their most productive quarter being the third at 16.5 points. With a narrow margin between points scored and points allowed (900 PF / 885 PA), Central Valley has shown they can compete but often find themselves in close battles.

Head-to-Head: Gonzaga Prep’s Dominance

The latest matchup between these two teams on January 3, 2025, saw Gonzaga Prep come out on top with a 69-50 victory. Central Valley struggled in the game, scoring just 11 points in the first quarter and failing to catch up after that. Gonzaga Prep, on the other hand, built a commanding lead with strong performances in the first (22 points) and fourth (17 points) quarters. Their ability to outscore Central Valley in every quarter led to a decisive win, further underscoring their dominance in the rivalry.

Common Opponents: A Comparison of Records

Both teams have faced a series of common opponents this season, and the results highlight the disparity between their performances:

• Gonzaga Prep has been undefeated against common opponents with an 8-0 record.
• Central Valley has been solid but not perfect, with a 6-2 record against the same teams.

In matchups with schools like University, Mt. Spokane, and Cheney, Gonzaga Prep has consistently shown their superiority, winning by comfortable margins. For example, their win against University on December 10, 2024, was a 62-49 victory, while Central Valley defeated University in their January 7 matchup by a wider 83-61 margin.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Games

Both teams are far from done with their respective seasons. Gonzaga Prep will continue to challenge the league with games against schools like Ferris, Ridgeline, and Shadle Park, where their talent and consistency will likely shine through. Central Valley, though underdogs in some matchups, will face off against Mead and Cheney in the coming weeks, hoping to capitalize on their home-court advantage.

In the highly competitive landscape of Washington high school basketball, Gonzaga Prep’s near-perfect record and offensive dominance put them in a prime position for a successful postseason. However, Central Valley will aim to regroup, learn from their losses, and close the gap as they prepare for future contests.

Conclusion

As the season unfolds, Gonzaga Prep and Central Valley continue to showcase the level of talent and passion that defines Washington high school basketball. With Gonzaga Prep’s near-unbeatable form and Central Valley’s resilience, their rivalry and performances against common opponents promise to provide more thrilling matchups as the postseason approaches. The question remains—can Central Valley close the gap, or will Gonzaga Prep continue their reign as the dominant force in the district? Fans of both teams are sure to stay tuned for what comes next.