The Hendersonville (NC) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against East Rutherford (Forest City, NC) today at 8 p.m.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Hendersonville vs East Rutherford
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 8:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

East Rutherford vs. Hendersonville: A Pre-Game Breakdown

As the East Rutherford varsity basketball team gears up for an away conference game against Hendersonville, there are plenty of statistics to analyze and compare ahead of the clash. The two teams are set to meet in an exciting matchup that kicks off today at 8 p.m., with another rematch slated for February 4. Let’s break down the teams’ current performances, key players, and statistical trends as they prepare for this high-stakes contest.

Team Records and Performance

East Rutherford enters the game with a 2-11 overall record for the 2024-2025 season. Their conference performance has been a bit more promising, standing at 1-1. However, their road record has been particularly challenging, posting a 1-6 mark away from home. On the other hand, Hendersonville has had a much stronger start to the season. With an 8-6 overall record, they are currently undefeated in their conference (3-0). Hendersonville has shown more consistency, particularly at home, where they have a 3-1 record.

Scoring and Team Statistics

When it comes to scoring, Hendersonville has the edge, averaging 71.3 points per game compared to East Rutherford’s 58.2. This difference of 13.1 points per game could be a crucial factor in the outcome of the game. Hendersonville’s offensive efficiency is highlighted by their team’s scoring balance, with four players contributing to their high-scoring effort. In comparison, East Rutherford will need to rely on individual efforts, particularly from their leading scorer, Matthew Pinkerton, who averages 11.4 points per game.

While East Rutherford struggles to put up points, their defensive numbers are somewhat closer to Hendersonville’s. East Rutherford averages 28.8 rebounds per game compared to Hendersonville’s 31.0. Both teams also have similar assist numbers (East Rutherford 11.1, Hendersonville 12.1), but Hendersonville’s ability to generate turnovers stands out. They average 14.4 steals per game, a statistic that could heavily impact East Rutherford’s offensive flow.

Key Players to Watch

• East Rutherford: Matthew Pinkerton has been a bright spot for East Rutherford, leading the team with an average of 11.4 points per game. However, his efforts will need to be supported by players like Jj Arrowood (7.4 rebounds per game) and Eno Baker (3.0 assists and 2.2 steals per game) for the team to keep up with Hendersonville’s offensive firepower.
• Hendersonville: Malachi Simpson has been a standout for Hendersonville, averaging 26.8 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per game. His impressive numbers make him a focal point for East Rutherford’s defense. Coby Retana also plays a key role in both scoring (5.0 assists per game) and creating defensive pressure with 3.3 steals per game.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Looking at common opponents, both teams have faced R-S Central and Polk County, with Hendersonville having a much stronger record (3-0) against those teams compared to East Rutherford’s 1-1. This reflects Hendersonville’s dominance in league play, whereas East Rutherford has struggled to secure victories outside of a few non-league wins.

Game Predictions

With Hendersonville’s dominant record in both home and conference games, combined with their superior offensive output and defensive playmaking, they come into this matchup as the clear favorites. East Rutherford, despite their record, will look to lean on their leading scorer Pinkerton and try to exploit any weaknesses in Hendersonville’s defense.

The matchup promises to be a test of East Rutherford’s ability to overcome the odds and compete against a high-flying Hendersonville team, who will look to extend their perfect conference record. Keep an eye on Hendersonville’s ability to control the game with their defense, as turnovers and fast-break opportunities could play a key role in deciding the outcome.

As both teams prepare for this exciting conference rivalry, expect plenty of intensity and competitive basketball tonight at 8 p.m. Stay tuned for what will likely be a thrilling contest.