The Olympus varsity basketball team (Salt Lake City, UT) will host a non-conference home game against Hillcrest (Midvale, UT) on Friday, December 27, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Hillcrest vs Olympus
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Hillcrest vs Olympus

The 2024-2025 Utah high school basketball season has been a thrilling one, with two teams standing out early: Hillcrest and Olympus. These schools, both located in Utah, have had impressive runs in the season so far, with Hillcrest boasting a 9-1 record and Olympus following closely behind at 6-1. Here’s a closer look at their performances, key players, and what’s next for each team.

Hillcrest: A Dominant Force

Hillcrest has had an outstanding start to the season, with a 9-1 record. Their league performance has been particularly strong, as they are undefeated in region play with a 3-0 record. With an overall win percentage of .900, the team has shown great consistency in both home and away games, with a solid 4-0 record on the road.

The team’s offense has been a key factor in their success, averaging 62.6 points per game. They have been especially effective in the third quarter, scoring an average of 17.3 points during that period. Hillcrest’s defense has also been sharp, holding their opponents to just 472 points in 10 games, for an average of 47.2 points per game allowed.

Leading the charge for Hillcrest is Myles Mahler, who is averaging 14.3 points per game. Mahler is also contributing 4.9 rebounds per game, adding to his all-around performance. Guillermo Martinez, another key player for Hillcrest, has been dishing out 3.6 assists per game and recording 2.0 steals per game.

Olympus: Steady and Strong

Olympus, while not undefeated like Hillcrest, has also made an impact in the early stages of the season. With a 6-1 record, they have been dominant at home (2-0) and on the road (2-1), with a perfect 2-0 record in neutral site games. Their overall win percentage of .857 demonstrates their consistency and competitiveness.

Olympus has been a high-scoring team, averaging 65.1 points per game, slightly higher than Hillcrest’s output. Their ability to score in each quarter has been noteworthy, especially in the second and third quarters, where they average 16.6 and 19.2 points, respectively. Their defense has been equally effective, allowing only 361 points across 7 games, for an average of 51.6 points per game allowed.

One of Olympus’ standout players is not listed in the provided stats, but the team’s balanced scoring and defensive effort have contributed to their early-season success. They have also managed to secure wins against tough opponents such as Roy, Woods Cross, and Bingham, further solidifying their reputation as one of the top teams in Utah.

Team Comparisons: Hillcrest vs Olympus

While both teams have had strong performances, there are a few key differences in their playstyles:

• Scoring: Olympus averages slightly more points per game (65.1) compared to Hillcrest’s 62.6. Olympus has been able to generate a more consistent offensive attack, especially in the second and third quarters.
• Rebounding: Hillcrest edges out Olympus in rebounding, with an average of 25.2 rebounds per game. Olympus does not have an official rebound average listed, but they have been able to compete effectively on the boards despite this difference.
• Defense: Hillcrest has allowed 472 points over 10 games, while Olympus has given up 361 points in 7 games. Hillcrest has been able to shut down opposing offenses to a greater extent, holding their opponents to fewer points on average.
• Key Players: Myles Mahler for Hillcrest has been exceptional on both ends of the floor, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. For Olympus, the team’s scoring is spread out across multiple players, with a more balanced team effort.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season, including Murray, East, and Highland. Hillcrest has managed to defeat Murray and East by solid margins, while Olympus will be looking to face off against Murray and East later in the season.

Hillcrest and Olympus have yet to meet on the court, but their head-to-head matchups are eagerly anticipated. The first of these games will be an exciting opportunity to see which team can establish supremacy in the region.

Looking Ahead

As both teams continue their strong performances, it’s clear that Hillcrest and Olympus are two of the top contenders in Utah high school basketball this season. With their next games against common opponents and potential playoff matchups looming, the remainder of the season promises to be an exciting one for these two teams.

For fans, the clash between Hillcrest and Olympus will be one to watch closely. Whether it’s Hillcrest’s suffocating defense or Olympus’ offensive firepower, both teams have proven they are more than capable of making a deep run into the postseason.

Conclusion

The early season success of Hillcrest and Olympus in Utah high school basketball reflects the strength of the state’s basketball programs. Both teams have shown they can dominate in different areas, but their true potential will be fully realized when they square off later this season. With their exceptional performances so far, both Hillcrest and Olympus are well-positioned to make an impact on the state’s basketball scene.