The Hillcrest (Simpsonville, SC) varsity basketball team will host Greenville (SC) for a home conference game on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know Basketball:

What: South Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Hillcrest vs Greenville
When: Thursday, December 19, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Greenville vs. Hillcrest: A Riveting Basketball Showdown

As the high school basketball season heats up, the upcoming matchup between Greenville and Hillcrest promises to be a thrilling contest. Scheduled for Thursday, December 19, at 7:30 p.m., the game will be held at Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville, SC, and will feature two teams with distinct records and impressive performances.

Team Overview: Greenville

The Greenville Red Raiders have started the 2024-2025 season with a strong 5-1 record, boasting an impressive 83.3% win rate. Their success has come from a balanced approach, excelling both at home (2-0) and on the road (3-1). Greenville’s offense is potent, averaging 63 points per game, while their defense has been effective, conceding an average of 57.3 points. This all-around solid play has them positioned for another deep run in the season.

Key to their success has been their consistency against common opponents. With a perfect 4-0 record against teams like Riverside, Eastside, and Greenwood, the Red Raiders have shown their ability to win crucial games. The team’s performance in non-league games has been particularly impressive, with a flawless 5-1 record. This sets them up as a formidable opponent for Hillcrest as they head into this important away game.

Team Overview: Hillcrest

Hillcrest enters this game with a 4-4 record, showcasing a more mixed performance. They have fared better in region play, with a perfect 1-0 record in the region, but have struggled in non-region games, holding a 0-3 mark. However, their home record of 4-1 offers hope for a strong showing in front of their fans. Hillcrest averages 60.5 points per game, with a notable increase in scoring during the final quarter (22.2 points), indicating a team that thrives under pressure.

Despite the mixed record, Hillcrest’s defense has kept them competitive, as they’ve only conceded an average of 58.6 points per game. With a strong home-court advantage and a potent offense in the fourth quarter, Hillcrest will look to bounce back and challenge Greenville on December 19.

Head-to-Head: A Rivalry Renewed

The two teams have met numerous times in recent seasons, and this year’s matchup is anticipated to be no different. Greenville leads the common opponent comparison with a 4-0 record, while Hillcrest holds a 1-1 mark. The two teams are on a collision course, each having shown their strengths in different areas.

Notable games include Greenville’s 70-46 victory over Riverside on December 3, and Hillcrest’s narrow 83-70 win against J.L. Mann on December 16. Both teams have faced a variety of tough opponents, but their upcoming game will be pivotal in setting the tone for the rest of the season.

Game Preview: December 19

The upcoming game promises to be a highly competitive affair. Greenville will look to extend their dominance with a strong road performance, while Hillcrest will try to defend their home court and improve their inconsistent start. The game is expected to be a high-paced battle, with Greenville’s efficient scoring and Hillcrest’s late-game resilience as key factors to watch.

This game not only holds regional importance but also serves as a great opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies for the remainder of the season. As the Greenville Red Raiders aim to maintain their solid form, Hillcrest’s ability to close out games in the final quarter could play a crucial role in securing the win.

Common Opponents: A Comparative Breakdown

When comparing their performances against common opponents, Greenville has been dominant with a perfect 4-0 record, while Hillcrest has gone 1-1. The two teams have faced several of the same schools, including Riverside, Eastside, and Greenwood. Notably, Greenville defeated Riverside twice in December, while Hillcrest suffered a loss to Riverside in their lone matchup.

Greenville’s 5-0 record in-state further highlights their ability to perform on home soil and on the road, while Hillcrest’s mixed results against both in-state and out-of-state teams point to the challenges they have faced.

What to Expect

With Greenville’s high-scoring offense and Hillcrest’s ability to surge late, this game is poised to be a must-watch. The Red Raiders’ ability to control the tempo and maintain their strong defensive play could give them the edge, but Hillcrest’s resilience, particularly in the final quarter, could provide the upset factor. As the teams gear up for this important conference game, fans can expect a closely contested battle that could set the stage for an exciting season ahead.