The upcoming matchup between Hillcrest (Midvale, UT) and Park City (UT) on Friday, December 20 promises to be a critical conference game as both teams look to improve their standings. Hillcrest, boasting an impressive record so far, heads into the contest as the clear favorite, while Park City will look to turn the tide at home. Let’s break down the key stats, team leaders, and insights ahead of the game.

Team Performance and Records

Hillcrest Huskies (7-1 Overall | 1-0 Region):

• Hillcrest has dominated their competition early in the season, winning 87.5% of their games.
• They have proven their strength both at home (4-0) and on the road (3-1).
• Key statistic: Hillcrest averages 62.0 points per game while allowing only 47.0 points on average, showcasing their balanced offense and solid defense.

Park City Miners (1-6 Overall | 0-2 Region):

• Park City has struggled, securing just one win so far this season.
• Their home record (0-3) reflects a need to defend better on their court.
• Key challenge: Park City averages 49.9 points per game but gives up 67.4 points to opponents, signaling a defensive gap they need to close.

Team Stats Comparison

While Park City has a slight edge in rebounding (27.1 RPG to Hillcrest’s 25.9 RPG), Hillcrest outshines Park City in scoring, assists, and steals—key components of a strong, cohesive team performance.

Team Leaders

Hillcrest Huskies:

• Myles Mahler (#0):
  • Points Per Game: 14.4
  • Rebounds Per Game: 4.8
  • Blocks Per Game: 0.5
• Guillermo Martinez (#2):
  • Assists Per Game: 3.6
  • Steals Per Game: 2.3

Park City Miners:

• Luke Rice (#24):
  • Points Per Game: 16.7
  • Rebounds Per Game: 6.8
• Michael Zagin (#2):
  • Steals Per Game: 2.0
  • Blocks Per Game: 0.6
• Adam Hilton (#10):
  • Assists Per Game: 2.1

The standout performances of Luke Rice will be crucial for Park City if they hope to challenge Hillcrest. Rice’s scoring and rebounding give the Miners a strong presence inside, but he will need additional offensive help from teammates to keep up with Hillcrest’s balanced attack.

Common Opponents

Hillcrest has a clear edge in performance against common opponents, going 3-0 while Park City has struggled at 1-3. Notable games include:

• Granger: Hillcrest won 74-35; Park City won 72-63.
• Kearns: Hillcrest dominated 50-33; Park City fell 90-51.
• Jordan: Park City lost 50-41. Hillcrest has yet to face Jordan.

These results highlight Hillcrest’s consistency on both ends of the floor, while Park City has had difficulty containing opponents.

Keys to the Game

• For Hillcrest:
  • Continue their aggressive defense, forcing turnovers and limiting Park City’s top scorer, Luke Rice.
  • Leverage their playmaking ability, led by Guillermo Martinez, to create high-percentage scoring opportunities.
• For Park City:
  • Find secondary scoring options to complement Luke Rice’s offensive production.
  • Control the boards and capitalize on second-chance opportunities to slow down Hillcrest’s momentum.
  • Tighten up their defense to avoid falling into an early deficit.

Game Preview

Hillcrest enters the game as a heavy favorite with momentum on their side. The Huskies’ combination of scoring depth and defensive intensity will be difficult for Park City to overcome. On the other hand, the Miners have an opportunity to surprise Hillcrest if they can lock down defensively and get a standout performance from Luke Rice.

Game Details:

• Date: Friday, December 20, 2024
• Time: 5:15 PM
• Location: Park City High School

This matchup marks a crucial test for both teams. Hillcrest will aim to continue their dominance in the region, while Park City fights to secure a much-needed win at home. Basketball fans can expect an exciting showdown as these Utah high school rivals collide.

Stay tuned for updates, highlights, and results following the game!