The San Juan High School varsity basketball team will host a conference game against Grand County (Moab, UT) on Friday, January 17, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Grand County vs San Juan
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Grand County vs San Juan

As the Utah high school basketball season heats up, one of the most anticipated matchups is between the Grand County (Moab) and San Juan (Blanding) varsity basketball teams. Both teams have experienced their share of ups and downs this season, but with the upcoming games, they are poised to showcase their skills and potentially turn their fortunes around.

Team Overview

Grand County (Moab)

• Record: 5-11 overall, 3-1 in Region play
• Scoring Average: 54.4 points per game
• Key Player: Trace York (15.4 PPG, 8.5 RPG)
• Team Leaders:
  • Assists: Tatym Bisco (3.1 APG)
  • Steals: Weston Jones (2.4 SPG)
  • Blocks: Kalan Bowden (1.3 BPG)

Despite their overall losing record, Grand County has been impressive in their Region matchups, boasting a 3-1 Region record. They have shown resilience, with standout performances from their top scorer, Trace York, and solid contributions from other players like Weston Jones and Kalan Bowden. The team’s ability to execute well on defense and grab rebounds has been a highlight.

San Juan (Blanding)

• Record: 6-8 overall, 2-2 in Region play
• Scoring Average: 55.9 points per game
• Key Player: Tripp Palmer (15.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG)
• Team Leaders:
  • Assists: Jake Ivins (4.5 APG)
  • Steals: Jagger Nieves (1.9 SPG)
  • Blocks: Tripp Palmer (0.9 BPG)

San Juan, like Grand County, has faced challenges throughout the season but remains competitive, particularly on offense. Their ability to score an average of 55.9 points per game is impressive, with Tripp Palmer leading the charge as both a scorer and a rebounder. San Juan has had a tough time away from home, with a 0-6 record in away games, but they have been dominant on their home court, sporting a 6-2 record.

Key Matchups and Head-to-Head

The two teams will face off twice during the season, with the first game scheduled for January 17th, 2025, at San Juan, followed by a return match on February 7th, 2025, at Grand County. Both games are expected to be competitive, with each team looking to capitalize on their home-court advantage and their individual strengths.

In previous matchups, both teams have had mixed results against common opponents. Grand County has a 4-5 record against shared opponents, while San Juan holds a slightly better 5-3 record. This could indicate that San Juan has had more success against tougher teams, which may give them a slight edge going into the game.

Statistical Breakdown

The comparison of key team stats reveals interesting insights:

• Points Per Game: San Juan has a slight edge at 55.9, compared to Grand County’s 54.4.
• Rebounds: San Juan also leads in this category, averaging 36.3 rebounds per game, while Grand County pulls down 33.8.
• Assists: San Juan’s average of 13.0 assists per game edges out Grand County’s 11.1, highlighting their superior ball movement.
• Steals and Blocks: Grand County has the advantage in steals (8.1 per game) compared to San Juan’s 6.9, but San Juan is more efficient with blocks (2.1 per game vs. 2.8).

Players to Watch

• Grand County: Trace York is the clear standout, averaging 15.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. He will be key in both scoring and controlling the boards for Grand County.
• San Juan: Tripp Palmer has been a dynamic force for San Juan, contributing 15.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. His performance will be vital for San Juan to maintain their momentum.

Upcoming Games

• January 17, 2025: Grand County (Moab) at San Juan (Blanding)
• February 7, 2025: San Juan (Blanding) at Grand County (Moab)

With both teams looking to secure crucial wins within their region, the upcoming matchups are critical. Grand County will need to continue their strong performances in Region play, while San Juan will aim to overcome their struggles on the road and prove they can compete with the best in their region.

As the season progresses, these games could play a pivotal role in shaping the postseason prospects for both teams. Whether it’s the explosive scoring from players like York and Palmer, or the critical defensive stops and rebounds, fans can expect a thrilling contest when these two teams face off.