The Hodgeman County (Jetmore, KS) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Ashland (KS) today at 7:30 p.m.

Hodgeman County vs Ashland Game Info:

What: Iowa High School Basketball
Who: Hodgeman County (IA) vs Ashland (IA)
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Hodgeman County vs Ashland

As we approach the latter part of the 2024-2025 basketball season, a comparison between two Kansas high school teams, Ashland and Hodgeman County, reveals some striking differences in performance, both on the court and in terms of statistics. While Ashland has faced a challenging start, Hodgeman County is off to an undefeated run, with both teams gearing up for an exciting stretch of games in the coming weeks.

Team Performance Overview

Ashland enters the season with a 2-3 overall record, showing a mixed performance across different areas of the game. Their record in district play stands at 1-2, with a home performance at 2-2 and away games at 0-1. Ashland has scored an average of 46.8 points per game (PPG), but they’ve allowed an average of 55.8 PPG, reflecting some struggles on the defensive side. Despite these setbacks, their fighting spirit is evident, particularly in their recent 47-38 win over Ingalls.

In contrast, Hodgeman County has been in stellar form, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record overall. They’ve been dominant at home, with a 2-0 record, and they’ve carried their success on the road with a 2-0 record and a solid 1-0 neutral-site performance. Their offense has been clicking at an impressive 55.8 PPG, while their defense has been more consistent, allowing only 33.2 rebounds per game and limiting opponents to just 163 points across five games.

Scoring and Statistical Averages

When breaking down the team’s scoring by quarters, Ashland averages 6.0 points in the first quarter, 11.0 in the second, 8.0 in the third, and 13.0 in the fourth, totaling 46.8 points. Their scoring picks up in the second half, but it hasn’t been enough to overcome the stronger offensive efforts from their opponents.

Meanwhile, Hodgeman County starts strong with an average of 22.8 points in the first quarter and maintains their lead through the rest of the game with 12.0 in the second, 9.5 in both the third and fourth quarters. Their consistency throughout the game is a key factor in their undefeated record.

Team Leaders

• Ashland’s Key Player: Brody Schroeder has been Ashland’s standout player, averaging 13.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. He is the team’s top scorer and one of its primary rebounders, demonstrating his importance to the team’s overall performance. Hazen Rydquist also plays a significant role, leading the team with 3.8 assists per game.
• Hodgeman County’s Key Player: Hodgeman County relies heavily on their balanced team performance. While no player stands out in scoring, their team-wide contribution is impressive. Their top player, who has been essential in their success, is #20 with 13.6 PPG and 8.0 rebounds, much like Schroeder in Ashland. Hodgeman’s defense is led by Ian Reece, who averages 3.4 steals per game, providing stability on both ends of the floor.

Common Opponents Breakdown

Both teams have played against a few of the same opponents, offering a chance to compare how they fared against these teams. Ashland has faced tough losses against teams like South Central (79-18) and Minneola (67-59), but they showed resilience in their win against Ingalls (47-38). Hodgeman County, on the other hand, is yet to face a common opponent with a loss, showcasing their consistency and dominance throughout the early part of the season.

Upcoming Matchups

Looking ahead, Ashland will need to focus on building momentum and improving their defense as they prepare for matchups with teams like Minneola, South Gray, and Pawnee Heights. Hodgeman County, on the other hand, will look to continue their undefeated streak with games against teams such as South Central, Ingalls, and Satanta.

Head-to-Head Comparison

In terms of head-to-head matchups, Ashland and Hodgeman County will face each other at some point, with both teams needing to play at their best to secure the win. Given Hodgeman County’s undefeated record and superior scoring, they enter this matchup as the favorites, but Ashland’s grit and determination could make for a thrilling contest.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, the contrast between Ashland’s 2-3 record and Hodgeman County’s flawless 5-0 record paints a picture of two teams on different paths. Ashland will need to find ways to close the gap in scoring and defense to make a push for the postseason. Meanwhile, Hodgeman County looks poised to continue their dominance, but their next opponents will likely test their resolve. Regardless of the outcomes, both teams are set to provide exciting basketball for their communities as the 2024-2025 season unfolds.