The Hillcrest High School varsity basketball team (Midvale, UT) is hosting a home non-conference game against Granger High School (West Valley City, UT) today at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Hillcrest vs Granger
When: Today, November 20, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Granger vs. Hillcrest: Early Season Basketball Analysis

As the 2024-25 basketball season gets underway, both Granger and Hillcrest are gearing up for what promises to be a competitive year. While both teams are still finding their rhythm, a closer look at their early performances and statistics provides insight into their strengths, areas for growth, and what fans can expect moving forward.

Team Overviews

Granger (0-1)
Granger kicked off their season with a challenging away game, falling short with a score of 46-74. Despite the loss, there were some bright spots in their performance, particularly from standout player Mason Biddulph, who showcased his scoring and rebounding abilities.

Hillcrest (0-0)
Hillcrest has yet to take the court this season, leaving fans eager to see how they perform in their opener. With no games under their belt, it’s difficult to gauge their form, but upcoming matchups against common opponents like Park City and Kearns will reveal their potential.

Team Scoring & Averages

Granger averaged 46 points in their first game, relying heavily on their key players. However, their defense struggled, allowing 74 points. Hillcrest’s stats remain a mystery as they prepare for their first game, but they will need to establish a strong offensive and defensive presence to stay competitive in a tough league.

Granger Team Averages:

• Points Per Game: 46.0
• Rebounds Per Game: 33.0
• Assists Per Game: 6.0
• Steals Per Game: 5.0
• Blocks Per Game: 3.0

Hillcrest has yet to establish statistical benchmarks, making their debut performance one to watch.

Key Players to Watch

Granger’s offense is powered by #5 Mason Biddulph, who posted impressive numbers in the season opener:

• 17.0 points per game
• 9.0 rebounds per game

Supporting him are #34 Max Brighton, contributing 2.0 assists and 1.0 blocks per game, and #2 Will Tidwell, who leads with 2.0 steals per game. Granger’s success this season will hinge on their ability to develop a balanced attack around these players.

For Hillcrest, the lack of recorded stats means there’s an opportunity for new or returning players to make a statement. Their ability to match Granger’s production, particularly in scoring and rebounding, will be crucial.

Upcoming Matchups & Common Opponents

Both teams will face several common opponents throughout the season, including Park City, Kearns, and Juan Diego Catholic. These games will offer a clearer picture of how Hillcrest compares to Granger and other teams in the league.

Notable matchups include:

• Granger vs. Park City (11/26/24)
• Hillcrest vs. Juan Diego Catholic (11/25/24)

The results of these games will help set the tone for both teams’ seasons.

Challenges and Opportunities

Granger’s main challenge will be improving their defensive consistency to complement their offensive output. Allowing 74 points in their opener highlights an area that needs immediate attention.

Hillcrest, meanwhile, faces the challenge of starting from scratch. With no prior games, they have the advantage of being an unknown quantity to opponents, but they must quickly establish their identity and build momentum.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, both Granger and Hillcrest have opportunities to develop and compete in a tough league. For Granger, building on the performances of key players like Mason Biddulph will be crucial, while Hillcrest’s debut will set the stage for their 2024-25 campaign. Fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with growth, challenges, and standout moments from both teams.