The Hillside (Durham, NC) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Riverside-Durham (Durham, NC) today at 8 p.m.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Hillside vs Riverside-Durham
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 8:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Riverside-Durham vs. Hillside: A Basketball Rivalry Showdown

The basketball rivalry between Riverside-Durham and Hillside is heating up as both teams prepare for upcoming conference games. With the first game set to take place in just 15 hours, basketball fans in Durham, NC, can expect a thrilling match between these two local teams.

Team Overview

Riverside-Durham (24-25):
Riverside-Durham has had a mixed season so far with a 4-10 overall record. Their home court has been a bit more favorable, as they have posted a 2-6 record at home. However, they have struggled on the road with a 1-3 away record, and their neutral-site games have yielded one win and one loss. Despite their struggles, Riverside-Durham has averaged 51.3 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 690 points on the season.

Hillside (24-25):
Hillside has a better overall record, sitting at 6-6. They are .500 on their home court with a 3-2 record, while their away record stands at 2-3. Hillside has been slightly more successful in neutral games with a 1-1 record. Their offense is averaging 63.1 points per game and has scored 757 points so far. However, their defense has also been porous, allowing 720 points throughout the season.

Team Comparison

When we compare the two teams, the offensive and defensive statistics offer a clear picture of their contrasting styles.

• Scoring: Hillside has a more potent offense, averaging 62.9 points per game compared to Riverside-Durham’s 49.2. Riverside-Durham struggles to put up consistent points, especially in the first quarter, where they average just 9.4 points. In contrast, Hillside’s first-quarter scoring average stands at 17.0, giving them a solid early lead in games.
• Rebounds and Assists: Riverside-Durham leads in rebounds (29.0 per game vs. Hillside’s 27.0), but Hillside has a clear advantage in assists (8.5 per game vs. Riverside-Durham’s 3.2).
• Steals and Blocks: Riverside-Durham has been more aggressive defensively, with 8.3 steals per game and 3.4 blocks, while Hillside has posted fewer steals and blocks (8.3 steals and 0.1 blocks per game).

Key Players

• Riverside-Durham:
  • Robert McDonald leads the team with 11.5 points per game, a key offensive weapon for the squad.
  • Noam Cohen, with 5.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, is also pivotal in the frontcourt for Riverside-Durham.
• Hillside:
  • Justin Morgan is the top scorer for Hillside, averaging 19.0 points per game and providing a significant offensive spark.
  • Brendon Watley contributes in various facets of the game, with the most rebounds (0.4) and assists (0.3) for Hillside.

Head-to-Head

In their previous matchups, Riverside-Durham has faced a series of tough losses. They have struggled against teams like Rolesville, Southern School of Energy and Sustainability, and Jordan, with a 2-3 record against common opponents. Hillside, on the other hand, has a 3-1 record against common opponents, including notable wins against Rolesville (70-64) and Durham School of the Arts (70-24).

The rivalry between Riverside-Durham and Hillside is bound to deliver more drama as both teams face off in the coming days. The first game will be held on January 10, 2025, at Hillside, with the return game scheduled for January 31, 2025, at Riverside-Durham.

Looking Ahead

With a competitive match on the horizon, Riverside-Durham will need to find a way to overcome its offensive struggles and capitalize on its defensive strengths. Meanwhile, Hillside will look to build on its scoring advantage and capitalize on its strong performances this season. The outcome of this game could set the tone for the remainder of their seasons as they continue to battle for playoff positioning in the Durham area.

Fans can expect an exciting contest between these two teams as they square off once again in this annual rivalry.