The HEA Firebirds HomeSchool varsity basketball team (Wayne, MI) will play a neutral conference game against the Illinois Crusaders (Big Rock, IL) on Friday, January 3, at 8 p.m.

HEA Firebirds HomeSchool vs Illinois Crusaders Game Info:

What: Indiana High School Basketball
Who: HEA Firebirds HomeSchool (IN) vs Illinois Crusaders (IN)
When: Friday, January 3, 2025
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: HEA Firebirds HomeSchool vs Illinois Crusaders

The 2024-2025 season has seen two teams, the Illinois Crusaders and HEA Firebirds HomeSchool, showcase drastically different records and performances. Both teams have faced their fair share of challenges, yet their paths have been very different. Let’s break down their respective seasons, highlighting their records, scoring averages, and head-to-head matchups with common opponents.

Team Overview

Illinois Crusaders (24-25):
The Illinois Crusaders have struggled so far this season with a record of 1-5 overall and 1-2 in their conference. The team’s performance has been inconsistent, with their victories coming mostly in home games. They have scored an average of 45.5 points per game while allowing 404 total points. Their highest scoring period has been in the second quarter, averaging 12.8 points. Despite a tough start, the Crusaders’ season is still ongoing, and they hope to improve in the coming games.

HEA Firebirds HomeSchool (24-25):
In stark contrast, the HEA Firebirds HomeSchool team has dominated the 2024-2025 season, with an undefeated record of 13-0. They have been perfect in both home and away games, maintaining a perfect 6-0 record in neutral-site games as well. Scoring an impressive 71.7 points per game, the Firebirds have been consistently strong across all four quarters, particularly in the second (21 points per game) and fourth quarters (20 points per game). Their defense has been solid, allowing only 633 points across their 13 games. This dominating performance puts them at the top of their league, with a flawless 2-0 record in league play.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, providing an interesting lens through which to compare their performances:

• Northside Lions: The Illinois Crusaders suffered a tough loss against Northside Lions with a score of 57-26 on 12/6/24. Meanwhile, the HEA Firebirds HomeSchool faced the Lions on 1/4/25, showcasing their superior strength, although the outcome of the game was not yet available at the time of this comparison.
• Columbus HomeSchool: The Crusaders were also beaten by Columbus HomeSchool with a 67-41 loss on 12/7/24. On the other hand, the Firebirds defeated Columbus HomeSchool in their match on 12/6/24 with a 74-63 victory.
• HomeSchool Resource Center: The Illinois Crusaders secured a victory against HomeSchool Resource Center, winning 65-52 on 12/10/24. The Firebirds, meanwhile, played the same opponent on 1/3/25, though the outcome was pending at the time of the comparison.
• Indianapolis HomeSchool Wildcats: The Crusaders were defeated 80-60 by the Indianapolis HomeSchool Wildcats on 12/14/24. The Firebirds, on the other hand, bested the Wildcats in their matchup on 12/6/24, winning 73-54.
• Indianapolis Northwest Warriors: In their matchup with the Indianapolis Northwest Warriors on 12/14/24, the Crusaders faced a tough 91-42 loss. The Firebirds’ upcoming game against the Warriors on 1/4/25 would give them the opportunity to maintain their perfect record.
• Cincinnati Trailblazers HomeSchool: The Crusaders’ game against the Cincinnati Trailblazers on 1/4/25 remains to be seen, while the Firebirds will face them on the same day.

Breakdown of Results

• Illinois Crusaders: With a 1-5 overall record, the Crusaders have only secured one victory in their conference play. The team has struggled on neutral ground, with all of their losses coming in those circumstances. They have been competitive at times but are yet to put together a string of victories.
• HEA Firebirds HomeSchool: The Firebirds have had a perfect run so far, winning all their league games and remaining undefeated in non-league matchups as well. Their home and away performance has been impeccable, and they have managed to stay dominant against both in-state and out-of-state teams. Their defense has helped them maintain their strong record, allowing only 633 points, a remarkable feat in a season where offense is key.

Conclusion

While the Illinois Crusaders have shown glimpses of potential, their overall performance this season has been marred by inconsistency. They face a tough road ahead if they are to turn their season around. In stark contrast, the HEA Firebirds HomeSchool has been unstoppable, putting together a flawless season. The Firebirds’ impressive offensive and defensive play has earned them the title of the team to beat this year, as they remain undefeated in all their games.

As the season continues, both teams will look to improve their standings. For the Crusaders, it will require better execution and a stronger team dynamic. The Firebirds, meanwhile, will aim to continue their undefeated run and perhaps secure a top-tier playoff spot.