The West varsity basketball team (Salt Lake City, UT) will host a conference game against Highland (Salt Lake City, UT) on Friday, February 14, at 7 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Highland vs West
When: Friday, February 14, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Highland vs West
The 2024-25 Utah high school basketball season has been an exciting one, especially for Highland and West, two teams on opposite ends of the competitive spectrum. With Highland dominating their region and West struggling to find consistency, their matchup highlights the stark contrast in performance and team dynamics.
Team Performance and Standings
Highland (19-3, 9-2 Region)
- Ranked 7th in the state and 4th in class
- .864 win percentage, showcasing dominance in both regional and non-regional play
- Balanced success at home (7-1), away (7-2), and neutral venues (5-0)
- Scored 1,450 points this season while conceding 1,155
West (7-15, 2-9 Region)
- Ranked 79th in the state and 21st in class
- .318 win percentage, reflecting struggles in a tough season
- Home and away records mirror their inconsistency (3-7 in both)
- Scored 1,282 points, but allowed 1,481, showing defensive weaknesses
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Highland | West |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 65.8 | 58.3 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 27.7 | 23.6 |
| Assists Per Game | 14.6 | 11.6 |
| Steals Per Game | 9.6 | 7.3 |
| Blocks Per Game | 7.4 | 1.9 |
Head-to-Head Matchup
In their most recent encounter on January 24, Highland dominated West with a commanding 87-48 victory. Highland’s explosive 28-point third quarter sealed the game, proving their offensive depth and defensive control. The upcoming rematch on February 14 at West will be an opportunity for West to seek redemption, though Highland remains the favorite.
Key Players to Watch
Highland
- Jack Anderton (#12) – Leading scorer with 12.7 PPG
- Soren Ries (#13) – Strong presence in the paint with 8.0 RPG and 4.3 BPG
- Isaiah Drisdom (#11) – Playmaker with 4.9 APG and 3.1 SPG
West
- Phillip Ladua (#5) – Team leader in points (12.5 PPG) and rebounds (6.1 RPG)
- Elijah Albertson (#15) – Contributes across the board with 4.5 APG and 2.4 SPG
Common Opponents and Performance Trends
Highland has excelled against common opponents with an 8-2 record, while West has struggled at 2-8. Notably, Highland secured a 50-47 win over Olympus, a team that crushed West 86-36. Additionally, Highland defeated Brighton 67-54, whereas West barely managed a 60-53 victory in their rematch after an initial loss.
Final Outlook
Highland enters the final stretch of the season as a strong contender for postseason success, demonstrating a well-balanced offensive and defensive approach. Meanwhile, West will look to finish the season on a high note, aiming for an upset in the upcoming game against Highland. If West can improve their defensive play and capitalize on their strengths, they might challenge Highland, but the odds remain in favor of the dominant Rams.
Expect another fast-paced, high-energy matchup on February 14, as these two teams clash once again in what could be a decisive moment for West’s season and a continued march towards success for Highland.
