The St. John’s varsity basketball team from Washington, DC, will face Highland from Warrenton, VA, in a neutral non-conference game today at 3:15 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington, DC High School Basketball
Who: Highland vs St. John’s
When: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Time: 3:15. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Highland vs St. John’s
As the 2024–2025 high school basketball season unfolds, two teams from the Washington, DC area—Highland and St. John’s—are making waves. Both squads boast impressive records and stand out in national and divisional rankings, setting the stage for a highly competitive season.
Rankings and Records
Highland is currently ranked 26th nationally and 3rd in Virginia’s Division 3, while St. John’s sits just ahead at 25th nationally and holds the 6th spot in Washington, DC. Both teams demonstrate dominance in their respective regions, with Highland holding a pristine regional record of 4-0 and St. John’s excelling with a perfect 2-0 league record.
| Team | Overall Record | Win % | Home Record | Away Record | Neutral Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland | 17-4 | .810 | 6-0 | 4-2 | 7-2 |
| St. John’s | 11-3 | .786 | 6-0 | 2-0 | 3-3 |
Offensive and Defensive Prowess
Scoring averages tell a story of contrasting styles. St. John’s leads with an average of 71.5 points per game, fueled by strong first-half performances. Highland trails with 65.7 points per game but often comes alive in the fourth quarter with a strong 17.4-point average.
Defensively, both teams have proven effective, as their points allowed (PA) reflect disciplined play. Highland has given up 1,200 points across 21 games, while St. John’s defense has been even stingier, allowing just 725 points in 14 games.
| Quarter Breakdown | Highland | St. John’s |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 10.0 | 17.2 |
| Q2 | 14.4 | 19.7 |
| Q3 | 13.4 | 17.4 |
| Q4 | 17.4 | 16.2 |
| Final | 65.7 | 71.5 |
Key Players
Highland’s standout player, #4 Devin Toatley, averages 15.8 points per game, providing a reliable scoring option. Omari Witherspoon (#0) leads in rebounds (5.8 per game) and steals (1.5 per game), showcasing his versatility. Meanwhile, St. John’s team averages 23.7 points per game with notable contributions from their roster.
| Category | Highland Leader | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | #4 Devin Toatley | 15.8 |
| Rebounds Per Game | #0 Omari Witherspoon | 5.8 |
| Assists Per Game | #1 Geremy Clark | 4.0 |
| Steals Per Game | #0 Omari Witherspoon | 1.5 |
| Blocks Per Game | #10 Finley Billy | 0.8 |
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
While the two teams have yet to face off this season, their performance against common opponents hints at a closely contested matchup. Both teams have notched significant wins, including decisive victories over Bishop McNamara and Georgetown Prep. Highland holds a 2-1 record against shared foes, while St. John’s edges ahead at 2-0.
| Common Opponents | Highland Record | St. John’s Record |
|---|---|---|
| Bishop McNamara | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| DeMatha | 0-1 | TBD |
| Archbishop Carroll | 1-0 | TBD |
| Georgetown Prep | TBD | 1-0 |
Playoff Outlook
Both Highland and St. John’s have shown their capacity for high-stakes competition. Highland’s balanced attack and fourth-quarter resilience make them a formidable playoff contender, while St. John’s fast-paced scoring and defensive efficiency could be the keys to postseason glory.
Conclusion
The stage is set for a thrilling battle between two powerhouse programs. Highland’s grit and depth will be tested against St. John’s explosive offense and consistency. Fans of DC-area high school basketball should keep their eyes on these teams as they look to leave their mark on the 2024–2025 season.
