The Harding High School (Warren, OH) varsity basketball team will play a neutral, non-conference game against Hawken (Gates Mills, OH) today at 2:30 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Ohio High School Basketball
Who: Harding (OH) vs Hawken (OH)
When: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Time: 2:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Comparing Hawken and Harding: A Snapshot of Their 2024-2025 Basketball Seasons

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, the teams from Hawken and Harding have both made strong impressions in their respective leagues. With similar successes and impressive individual performances, a closer look at their rankings, stats, and upcoming matchups reveals what makes each team stand out.

Overall Records and Performance

• Hawken: A dominant 6-1 record overall, including a perfect 4-0 in conference play, has placed them firmly at the top of their division. With a win percentage of .857 and a perfect record at home and neutral sites (2-0 and 1-0, respectively), Hawken has shown consistency on both sides of the court. They have scored a total of 451 points while conceding 351 across all games.
• Harding: Harding, with a slightly fewer number of games played, boasts a solid 4-1 record. Their 3-0 home record and 1-1 away performance give them an 80% win rate. They have scored 335 points, conceding 273 in the process. Though they haven’t played as many games as Hawken, they have been efficient in their victories.

Team Scoring Averages

• Hawken: Averaging 64.4 points per game, Hawken’s offensive strategy sees a balanced scoring effort, with their highest output coming in the third quarter (18 points). They put up 15.8 points in the first quarter and finish strong with 16.2 points in the fourth.
• Harding: Harding, with a slightly higher overall scoring average of 67 points per game, has been strong throughout the game. Their first half is their most productive, with 17.7 points in the first quarter and 18.3 points in the second. In contrast, their scoring dips slightly in the second half, averaging 13.0 points in the third quarter and 14.7 in the fourth.

Key Statistical Comparison

• Hawken has the advantage in nearly all team statistics, averaging 51.0 points per game, 26.6 rebounds, and 9.4 assists. They also dominate defensively, averaging 6.0 steals and 2.0 blocks per game.
• Harding‘s points per game average is slightly lower at 51.0, but they are highly competitive with 26.6 rebounds, 9.4 assists, and 6.0 steals. Both teams are strong defensively, with Harding securing 2.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

Individual Team Leaders

• Hawken: The standout player for Hawken is Chaz Coleman, who leads the team in nearly every statistical category. With 19.6 points per game, 10.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks, Coleman has been instrumental in the team’s success this season.
• Harding: While Harding’s team statistics are balanced, they lack a dominant player like Coleman. However, their performance as a unit has been impressive, and they look to continue building chemistry to compete with top teams in the league.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

• Head-to-Head: Neither team has faced each other yet, so there is no direct comparison in terms of their matchups.
• Common Opponents: Both teams will face Villa Angela-St. Joseph this season. Harding already secured a 73-63 victory at home on December 13, 2024, while Hawken will face them away on February 11, 2025. It will be interesting to see how these results compare, as this could provide further insight into the strength of each team.

Record Breakdown

• Home and Away: Both teams have been strong at home, with Hawken boasting a 2-0 record and Harding at 3-0. On the road, Hawken has a 3-1 record, while Harding is 1-1, showing that they are more successful in their home environment.
• League Play: Hawken is currently undefeated in league play (4-0), while Harding has not yet faced a league opponent, but their 4-1 record suggests they will be competitive.

Conclusion

Both Hawken and Harding have shown great promise early in the 2024-2025 basketball season, with impressive wins and standout performances from key players. Hawken’s undefeated conference record and strong overall performance set them as a team to watch, while Harding has proven to be resilient, especially at home. The upcoming game between these two teams will certainly be one to watch, as it could have significant implications for their league standings.