The Olympus varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against Hillcrest on Friday, December 27, at 7 p.m. in Salt Lake City, UT.

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

As the Utah high school basketball season heats up, two powerhouse teams—Hillcrest and Olympus—are emerging as heavy contenders. Both teams have been dominating their respective leagues, and their impressive records have set the stage for an exciting showdown in the coming weeks.

Hillcrest: Dominating the Region

Hillcrest, with a solid 9-1 record overall, has been a standout this season. The team’s performance has been nothing short of spectacular, with a perfect 3-0 region record and a flawless 5-0 home record. Averaging 62.6 points per game, Hillcrest has showcased a well-balanced offense that has overwhelmed many of their opponents. Their scoring is led by Myles Mahler, who is contributing an impressive 14.3 points per game, followed by his brother Anton Mahler, who is a consistent contributor in both defense and offense.

Hillcrest’s style of play is characterized by solid scoring across all four quarters, with their highest-scoring period coming in the third quarter, where they average 17.3 points. The team is also effective at distributing the ball, with Guillermo Martinez averaging 3.6 assists per game. They’ve been tough to beat, with a win percentage of .900 and a region win percentage of 1.000.

Notable games include a 56-40 victory over Murray and a thrilling 67-65 win against East. With additional wins over Kearns and Mountain Ridge, Hillcrest has proved they can handle a variety of opponents, both at home and on the road.

Olympus: A Strong Contender

Olympus, with a 6-1 record, has also demonstrated their prowess on the court. Despite a slightly smaller sample size, Olympus has shown consistent strength, particularly in their home games, where they are a perfect 2-0. Their offense is potent, averaging 65.1 points per game—nearly three points more than Hillcrest. Olympus’s game is characterized by strong first and third quarters, where they average 13.8 and 19.2 points, respectively.

Olympus’s scoring efforts are led by a balanced approach, though no player has stood out as strongly as Hillcrest’s Mahler. Nevertheless, their depth and ability to play across all positions have made them a formidable opponent. Guillermo Martinez, with 2.0 steals per game, plays a crucial role in their defense, while the team’s ability to distribute the ball through assists has helped them stay competitive. Olympus has remained undefeated in neutral-site games, and their overall win percentage of .857 speaks to their dominance.

Their recent wins include victories over Roy, Woods Cross, and Bingham. As their schedule intensifies, including upcoming games against East and Highland, Olympus will be looking to maintain their winning momentum.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Matchups

Both teams have faced similar competition, with Hillcrest coming out on top in games against Murray and East. Olympus, meanwhile, has yet to face Murray, though they will play them soon. Their head-to-head matchups remain a highly anticipated aspect of the season, as both teams look to assert dominance in their region. In their common games, Hillcrest has shown more consistent results, but Olympus’s 6-1 record is no slouch.

Team Stats Comparison

When comparing overall statistics, Hillcrest edges Olympus in points per game, with 62.6 compared to Olympus’s 65.1. However, Olympus has been better at controlling the game through rebounds and assists. Hillcrest leads in steals per game, averaging 11.4 to Olympus’s 9.1. Both teams are strong defensively, and as the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how each adjusts to their rival’s strengths.

Looking Ahead

The coming weeks will be crucial for both teams as they continue their campaigns toward a strong playoff finish. Hillcrest’s dominant region performance, coupled with their robust scoring, makes them a tough opponent, but Olympus’s consistency and higher point totals per game indicate they can match Hillcrest’s intensity.

Both teams are in excellent positions to make a deep run, and their head-to-head matchup will be one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the season. As their records suggest, Utah high school basketball fans are in for some thrilling action ahead.