The Mountain View varsity basketball team from Orem, UT, will face Hillcrest from Midvale, UT, in a neutral-site, non-conference game today at 1 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Hillcrest vs Mountain View
When: Today, December 28, 2024
Time: 1:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Hillcrest vs Mountain View
As the Utah high school basketball season progresses, Hillcrest High School and Mountain View High School have displayed contrasting fortunes on the court. Their records and statistics tell a compelling story of team dynamics, individual performance, and potential.
Hillcrest High School: A Season of Dominance
Hillcrest has had an impressive run, boasting a stellar 9-1 overall record with an undefeated 3-0 performance in their region. Their .900 win percentage reflects consistent play both at home (4-0) and away (5-1). The team has been dominant offensively and defensively, outscoring opponents by a significant margin with 626 points for (PF) and 472 points against (PA).
Team Stats and Key Players
Hillcrest averages 62.6 points per game (PPG), supported by strong rebounding (25.2 RPG) and assists (16.5 APG). Their defense shines with 11.4 steals per game (SPG). The team’s leader, Myles Mahler, contributes 14.3 PPG and 4.9 RPG, while Guillermo Martinez adds 3.6 APG and 2.0 SPG. Anton Mahler provides additional defensive support with 0.6 blocks per game (BPG).
Recent Highlights
Hillcrest showcased their prowess in recent games, including a commanding 57-35 win over Logan on November 27 and a 56-40 victory against Murray on December 10. These performances demonstrate their ability to control games and capitalize on their opponents’ weaknesses.
Mountain View High School: Struggles and Resilience
Mountain View, on the other hand, has faced a challenging season with a 3-7 overall record. Their .300 win percentage highlights the difficulty they’ve had securing victories, especially on the road, where they hold a 1-4 record. Despite the setbacks, the team has shown flashes of potential and resilience.
Team Stats and Key Players
Mountain View averages 57.8 PPG with 23.9 RPG and 13.4 APG. While their scoring is slightly lower than Hillcrest’s, players like Brennan Olsen (13.2 PPG) and Jaxson Hockersmith (5.7 RPG, 0.8 BPG) have been standouts. Kevin Lewis contributes with 2.6 APG, while Joshua Hair matches Hillcrest’s Martinez with 2.0 SPG, highlighting their defensive effort.
Notable Performances
Mountain View’s victory against Cedar Valley on December 6 (72-65) was a bright spot in their season, showcasing their ability to compete when firing on all cylinders. However, losses in neutral-site games (0-3) reveal areas for growth.
Team Comparisons
Hillcrest’s dominance is evident in most statistical categories. They lead in scoring (62.6 vs. 57.8 PPG), rebounding (25.2 vs. 23.9 RPG), assists (16.5 vs. 13.4 APG), and steals (11.4 vs. 8.4 SPG). Mountain View holds a slight edge in blocks (2.0 vs. 1.1 BPG), highlighting their interior defense.
Both teams have faced common opponents with varying success. Hillcrest has a 2-0 record, while Mountain View stands at 1-0 against shared rivals. These performances underline Hillcrest’s consistency and Mountain View’s struggles against comparable competition.
Looking Ahead
Hillcrest enters the remainder of the season as a strong contender in their region, with their eyes set on a deep playoff run. Their ability to dominate both ends of the floor makes them a team to watch.
Mountain View, despite their challenges, has opportunities to turn their season around. With continued development and key players stepping up, they can build momentum for future games.
This Utah high school basketball season exemplifies the highs and lows of the sport, and both teams will undoubtedly continue to define their paths as the competition unfolds.
