The Bishop O’Connell varsity basketball team (Arlington, VA) will play a home conference game against Gonzaga (Washington, DC) on Friday, January 10, at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Gonzaga vs Bishop O’Connell
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 1:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Gonzaga vs Bishop O’Connell

As the 2024-2025 Virginia high school basketball season heats up, two powerhouse teams, Gonzaga and Bishop O’Connell, are setting the stage for an exciting matchup. These two elite schools, one from Washington, D.C., and the other from Arlington, VA, have been dominating their respective leagues and are looking to continue their strong performances as they prepare for their head-to-head battles.

Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) – A Force to Be Reckoned With

Gonzaga enters the season with a solid record of 12-2, showcasing a strong start to the year with an impressive .857 win percentage. They have been unbeatable on their home court, posting a 5-0 record, and they have also proven their resilience in neutral-site games with a 6-1 performance. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging a remarkable 73.9 points per game, led by standout players like Darius Bivins, who leads the team in scoring (12.5 PPG), assists (3.7 APG), and steals (2.5 SPG). Gonzaga’s robust defense has been key to their success, with Liam Koelsch leading the team in rebounds (5.9 RPG) and blocking 0.9 shots per game.

Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, VA) – Consistently Competitive

Bishop O’Connell, with a 12-3 record, has also been performing at a high level, boasting a .800 win percentage overall. The team is perfect at home, with a 5-0 record, and has shown a solid presence on the road with a 4-0 mark. With a more modest 65.4 points per game, Bishop O’Connell relies on a balanced approach to offense and defense. While their points per game is lower than Gonzaga’s, they have been able to keep games competitive and grind out victories, especially with leaders like Liam Koelsch, who also contributes heavily to the rebounding game. Darius Bivins‘ standout performance against Bishop O’Connell in the upcoming matchup will be critical, as he averages more than twice the points of O’Connell’s leader in scoring.

Team Comparison and Key Statistics

Both teams excel in key areas, such as steals and rebounds, making their matchups even more thrilling to watch. With 9.7 steals per game each, Gonzaga and Bishop O’Connell know how to disrupt the offense and create fast breaks.

Key Players to Watch

• Gonzaga: Darius Bivins – With an all-around game, Bivins has been a standout on offense and defense. His leadership and ability to score, assist, and disrupt the opposing team’s game make him the primary player to watch.
• Bishop O’Connell: Liam Koelsch – Koelsch, while not as prolific a scorer as Bivins, excels in his rebounding and defensive capabilities. His presence in the paint is critical to his team’s success.

Head-to-Head Matchups: A Game of Intrigue

The next head-to-head contest between Gonzaga and Bishop O’Connell will take place on Friday, January 10 at 7:30 PM at Bishop O’Connell’s home gym. The rivalry continues to build as both teams come off of impressive non-league victories. Gonzaga recently triumphed over Our Lady of Good Counsel (95-52), while Bishop O’Connell also bested the same opponent earlier in the season (62-53).

Looking ahead, both teams will meet again on February 14, 2025, at Gonzaga, where the stakes will be even higher, as each team seeks to solidify its spot in the regional rankings.

Common Opponents: The Battle for Supremacy

Both teams have faced common opponents, which offers an interesting perspective on how they may stack up against each other. Gonzaga has been undefeated against opponents like Our Lady of Good Counsel, and DeMatha, while Bishop O’Connell has also shown dominance, especially in their win over St. Mary’s Ryken (72-30) and their victory against DeMatha (56-49). These shared results highlight both teams’ potential, yet the head-to-head matchups will be crucial in determining supremacy.

Conclusion: The Race to the Top

As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, the Gonzaga vs. Bishop O’Connell rivalry promises to be one of the most exciting in Virginia high school basketball. Both teams are stacked with talent and have proven their mettle early in the season. The upcoming game between these two squads will undoubtedly be a thrilling spectacle for fans and players alike, with both teams aiming to gain an edge in this heated rivalry.

Stay tuned for more updates as these two basketball powerhouses continue to battle it out for local and national supremacy!