The Hiland (Berlin, OH) varsity basketball team is set to host a home conference game against Indian Valley (Gnadenhutten, OH) today at 6:30 p.m.

Game Details:

• Matchup: Indian Valley vs Hiland
• Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here

A Thrilling Rivalry: Indian Valley vs. Hiland Basketball Showdown

The 2024-2025 basketball season has witnessed some impressive matchups, but none more anticipated than the rivalry between the Indian Valley Braves and the Hiland Hawks. These two Ohio powerhouses in Division 3 basketball have already provided a glimpse of their capabilities, and as the season progresses, their next face-off promises to be a thrilling contest.

Team Overview

Indian Valley Braves (8-3, 5-1 Conference)
Indian Valley enters the game with an overall record of 8-3 and a conference record of 5-1. The Braves have shown resilience, particularly on the offensive side, averaging 58.5 points per game. Their scoring is well-distributed throughout the game, with an average of 14.7 points in the first quarter and 15.3 points in the fourth. With their strong start, the Braves have established themselves as one of the top contenders in the conference, but their loss to Hiland last month will surely fuel their determination to even the score.

Hiland Hawks (9-0, 5-0 Conference)
The Hiland Hawks, on the other hand, have been perfect thus far in the season, with a spotless 9-0 record and a perfect 5-0 mark in conference play. Their average points per game stands at 57.9, slightly behind Indian Valley, but their defense has been a standout, holding opponents to just 325 points over 9 games. Hiland’s first-quarter scoring is particularly notable, averaging 17.7 points early in games. They are a well-rounded team, able to perform in all phases of the game, and their recent 58-47 victory over Indian Valley has added to their momentum as they prepare for another encounter.

Head-to-Head Recap

The most recent game between the two teams took place on December 10, 2024, at Hiland’s home court in Berlin, where the Hawks triumphed with a 58-47 win. Despite a strong showing from Indian Valley, Hiland’s balanced attack and solid defense helped them come out on top. This victory has given the Hawks the edge in the rivalry, and with another matchup coming soon, the Braves will be looking to even the score and show that they can compete with the undefeated Hiland team.

Team Scoring Averages

Indian Valley:

• Q1: 14.7
• Q2: 13.3
• Q3: 14.3
• Q4: 15.3
• Total: 58.5 PPG

Hiland:

• Q1: 17.7
• Q2: 13.3
• Q3: 15.3
• Q4: 13.0
• Total: 57.9 PPG

Both teams show balanced scoring, though Indian Valley’s ability to close strong in the fourth quarter could give them an advantage if the game is close in the final minutes.

Common Opponents Breakdown

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, including Sandy Valley, Garaway, Ridgewood, and Tuscarawas Valley. The records against these teams are nearly identical, with both squads securing wins in their respective matchups. Indian Valley has faced more non-league competition, while Hiland has maintained an undefeated record in both non-conference and conference games. These shared experiences suggest that both teams have faced similar levels of competition, which should make their upcoming clash all the more exciting.

What to Expect in the Next Game

Indian Valley will head to Berlin for their next matchup against Hiland on January 11, 2025. The Braves will need to make adjustments, particularly in closing out games, if they hope to pull off a win against the undefeated Hawks. With Hiland’s high-scoring first-quarter output and their overall defensive tenacity, Indian Valley will need to be prepared for a fast-paced start and take advantage of their own scoring opportunities throughout the game.

For Hiland, their focus will likely remain on maintaining their perfect record. They have demonstrated great depth, and their balanced offense will be key. The Hawks will also need to ensure their defense remains sharp, particularly in limiting Indian Valley’s scoring late in the game.

Conclusion

As both teams gear up for their next head-to-head showdown, the stakes could not be higher. Indian Valley aims to bounce back from their recent loss and keep their conference title hopes alive, while Hiland looks to remain undefeated and solidify their position at the top of the standings. With both teams playing at a high level, this rivalry is one to watch as the season unfolds.