The Homestead High School varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Grafton today at 7 p.m. in Mequon, WI.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Wisconsin High School Basketball
Who: Grafton vs Homestead
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Grafton vs Homestead

The upcoming matchup between Grafton and Homestead promises to be an exciting contest as both teams prepare for their respective conference games. Let’s break down the teams’ performances so far this season, compare their statistics, and preview what to expect from this thrilling game.

Grafton: A Tough Start, but Determined

Grafton enters this game with a 2-6 overall record, struggling to find consistency in their conference games, where they hold a 1-6 record. The team has been facing tough competition, with an overall scoring average of just 59.9 points per game.

Despite the challenges, Grafton has had standout performances. The team’s offensive efforts are largely driven by #25 Oliver Belot, who averages 18.3 points per game. On the defensive side, Grafton looks to Trevor Polite, who leads the team with 7.0 rebounds per game, providing some stability in the paint.

In terms of team performance, Grafton’s scoring comes in bursts. The team averages 27.0 points in the second quarter and 29.0 in the fourth quarter, showing that they have the potential to finish strong. However, their scoring in the first and third quarters has been an area of concern, as they only manage 0 points in the opening period and another 0 in the third.

Grafton has faced some tough losses against common opponents like West Bend East and Slinger, but they managed a hard-fought win against Port Washington (62-60) on January 7th. They’ll need to be at their best to compete with a team as high-performing as Homestead.

Homestead: A Force to Be Reckoned With

On the other hand, Homestead has been one of the standout teams this season with an 8-3 overall record, including a strong 5-2 showing in their conference games. The team boasts a more balanced scoring attack, averaging 69.4 points per game. Homestead has demonstrated great offensive consistency, especially in the first half, where they average 20.0 points in the first quarter and 19.0 points in the second.

The team’s success is fueled by standout performances from key players like #25 Oliver Belot, who leads Grafton in scoring with 18.3 points per game. Homestead’s offense runs smoothly thanks to Tommy O’Hagan, who averages 4.3 assists per game and is also the team’s leader in steals, with 2.0 per game. Homestead has also been dominant on the boards, with players like Trevor Polite leading the way with 7.0 rebounds per game.

Homestead’s victories over teams like West Bend East, Slinger, and Port Washington highlight their offensive firepower and defensive prowess. They’ve shown themselves to be a formidable opponent in their conference, especially when playing at home.

Head-to-Head Comparison

The first head-to-head meeting between Grafton and Homestead is just around the corner. On February 21, 2025, Homestead will travel to Grafton for a 7 p.m. conference game, with both teams looking to gain an edge in the standings. Based on current form, Homestead enters as the favorite, with their 8-3 record and strong scoring abilities.

Key Players to Watch:

• Oliver Belot (Grafton): The standout scorer for Grafton will need to carry the offensive load and provide a spark for his team.
• Tommy O’Hagan (Homestead): As the team’s primary playmaker, O’Hagan will play a key role in directing the offense and locking down Grafton’s offensive threats.

The Common Opponents: A Glimpse of What’s to Come

Both teams have faced a similar set of common opponents this season. Homestead has fared better, with a 6-2 record against these teams, while Grafton has posted a 1-6 record. Some of the most notable results include Homestead’s victories over West Bend East (99-54) and Slinger (70-69), while Grafton struggled with losses to the same teams (86-73 to West Bend East, 83-49 to Slinger). This disparity in results highlights the contrasting levels of performance between the two teams this season.

What to Expect:

Grafton will need to improve its consistency, particularly in the first and third quarters, to have a chance against a Homestead team that has been performing at a high level all season. Homestead, with their balanced scoring and defensive strengths, will look to continue their momentum and maintain their position at the top of the conference.

The game on February 21st will be crucial for both teams. Grafton is hoping to turn their season around, while Homestead aims to solidify their dominance in the conference. Basketball fans can expect an exciting matchup with plenty of action from two teams with distinct styles of play.

Final Thoughts:

The February 21st game promises to be a defining moment for both Grafton and Homestead. Can Grafton defy the odds and upset the conference leader, or will Homestead continue their dominant run? It’s a game you won’t want to miss.