The Hillcrest varsity basketball team (Idaho Falls, ID) will host a conference game against Blackfoot (ID) on Friday, January 31, at 7:00 PM.
Hillcrest vs Blackfoot Game Info:
What: Idaho High School Basketball
Who: Hillcrest (ID) vs Blackfoot (ID)
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Hillcrest vs Blackfoot
As the Idaho high school basketball season heats up, two teams stand out in their respective classes: Blackfoot and Hillcrest. Both squads have shown resilience and skill, setting the stage for an exciting matchup when Blackfoot travels to Hillcrest for a conference rematch on Friday, January 31. Let’s dive into the numbers, performance trends, and what to expect.
Current Records and Rankings
- Blackfoot (Class 11, Ranked 53rd):
- Overall Record: 8-6
- Conference Record: 5-1
- Home/Away Record: 4-2 at home, 4-4 away
- Win Percentage: 57.1%
- Points Scored/Allowed: 818/839
- Hillcrest (Class 3, Ranked 16th):
- Overall Record: 11-4
- Conference Record: 4-1
- Home/Away/Neutral Record: 4-0 at home, 3-2 away, 4-2 neutral
- Win Percentage: 73.3%
- Points Scored/Allowed: 868/742
Head-to-Head Showdown
The teams last met on January 7, when Blackfoot edged Hillcrest in a nail-biter, 52-50. Blackfoot used strong second and third quarters to build a lead that proved just enough to hold off Hillcrest’s late-game surge. Hillcrest will be eager for revenge, especially on their home court, where they remain undefeated this season.
Statistical Comparison
- Scoring Offense:
- Blackfoot: 58.4 points per game
- Hillcrest: 57.9 points per game
- Rebounding:
- Blackfoot: 31.4 rebounds per game
- Hillcrest: 32.7 rebounds per game
- Key Contributors:
- Blackfoot’s Austin Arave leads the charge with 17.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
- Hillcrest’s Titan Larsen averages 17.4 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Gage Blakeslee adds 3.9 assists per game.
- Defense:
- Hillcrest holds a slight edge in steals and blocks, with 7.6 steals and 2.1 blocks per game compared to Blackfoot’s 7.4 steals and 0.8 blocks.
Common Opponent Analysis
Both teams have faced several shared opponents, with Hillcrest showcasing a better record (7-1) compared to Blackfoot (5-4). Notable results include Hillcrest’s decisive victories over Idaho Falls (83-51) and Century (65-46), while Blackfoot has had closer encounters in similar matchups.
Game Outlook
Key Factors for Blackfoot:
- Rebounding Battle: Winning the boards will be crucial to control the tempo.
- Consistency: Blackfoot’s scoring has varied by quarter, so sustained performance is vital.
Key Factors for Hillcrest:
- Home Court Advantage: Hillcrest’s unbeaten home record gives them a psychological edge.
- Closing Out Games: Hillcrest’s late push in the last matchup wasn’t enough; a strong finish will be pivotal.
Prediction
This matchup promises to be as tightly contested as their earlier encounter. With Hillcrest’s solid home record and hunger for redemption, they have the tools to reverse their fortunes. However, Blackfoot’s balanced attack and recent success could make it another close battle.
Expect a thriller in Idaho Falls on January 31!
