The Higley (Gilbert, AZ) varsity basketball team will host Sunnyside (Tucson, AZ) for a non-conference game on Friday, December 13 at 5:30 p.m.
Higley vs Sunnyside Girls Basketball Game Info:
What: Arizona High School Girls Basketball
Who: Higley vs Sunnyside
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM
Watch here: Watch here
Game preview: Higley vs Sunnyside
As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season continues, two teams from Arizona stand out with impressive performances: Sunnyside and Higley. These teams are making waves in their respective divisions, and as they head into key matchups, a closer examination of their rankings, records, and statistical performances reveals just how closely these teams compare.
Team Records and Rankings
Sunnyside (24-25)
- Overall Record: 8-1
- Home Record: 2-0
- Away Record: 1-1
- Neutral Site Record: 5-0
- Winning Percentage: .889
- Points For (PF): 504
- Points Against (PA): 275
Higley (24-25)
- Overall Record: 5-3
- Home Record: 1-1
- Away Record: 1-1
- Neutral Site Record: 3-1
- Winning Percentage: .625
- Points For (PF): 407
- Points Against (PA): 362
Sunnyside has been dominant this season with an 8-1 overall record, boasting a .889 winning percentage. Their high-scoring offense and strong defense have led to consistent victories, especially at neutral sites. Higley, on the other hand, has had a slightly more mixed season, sitting at 5-3, but still showing promise with a solid performance away from home (3-1 at neutral sites).
Scoring Averages and Performance Breakdown
Sunnyside
- Points Per Game: 56.0
- Scoring by Quarter:
- Q1: 15.3
- Q2: 13.1
- Q3: 14.7
- Q4: 12.1
- Overtime: 7.0
Higley
- Points Per Game: 50.9
- Scoring by Quarter:
- Q1: 14.0
- Q2: 14.5
- Q3: 12.0
- Q4: 15.0
Sunnyside is a high-scoring team, averaging 56 points per game, with a balanced attack across all four quarters. They show consistent offensive output, especially in the first and third quarters. In comparison, Higley averages 50.9 points per game. While their scoring is competitive, they tend to finish strong, with their highest output coming in the fourth quarter (15.0 points).
Statistical Comparison
Sunnyside has a clear advantage in several key areas, including rebounds, steals, and blocks. Their dominant rebounding (37.4 per game) and high steals average (18.0 per game) set them apart. However, Higley has shown strong individual performances, particularly from Claire Greenwade, who leads in points (12.4 per game) and assists (3.8 per game).
| Stat | Sunnyside | Higley | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 56.0 | 50.9 | 42.7 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 37.4 | 24.0 | 24.0 |
| Assists Per Game | 11.3 | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Steals Per Game | 18.0 | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.0 | 4.3 | 1.0 |
Sunnyside also outperforms Higley in rebounding and steals, but Higley leads in blocks with 4.3 per game, showcasing their defensive strength.
Team Leaders
Sunnyside
- Janae Pritchett: 11.6 points per game
- Angelique Yanez: 9.4 rebounds per game
- Annabelle Quiroga: 4.1 steals per game
Higley
- Claire Greenwade: 12.4 points per game, 3.8 assists per game
- Cadence Murdough: 8.2 rebounds per game
- Claire Greenwade: 2.6 steals per game
Both teams have standout players who make significant contributions to their success. Sunnyside’s Pritchett leads in scoring, while Yanez is a key force in rebounding. Higley’s Greenwade is the all-around player, leading her team in both scoring and assists, and providing a strong defensive presence.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced common opponents, including Queen Creek and Gilbert, with Sunnyside recording a 1-1 record against these teams, while Higley has yet to play Queen Creek but will face them in January.
- Sunnyside vs. Queen Creek: W 62-35
- Sunnyside vs. Gilbert: L 41-38
- Higley vs. Queen Creek: Upcoming
- Higley vs. Gilbert: Upcoming
The head-to-head matchups against these teams will offer more insight into how Sunnyside and Higley stack up in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
As the season progresses, both Sunnyside and Higley have shown they are formidable forces in Arizona high school basketball. Sunnyside’s impressive overall record and high-scoring offense position them as a top contender, while Higley, led by Greenwade’s all-around game, is showing promise despite a mixed record. Their upcoming matchups, particularly against common opponents like Queen Creek and Gilbert, will be crucial in determining which team has the edge as the season heats up.
