The Holy Cross varsity basketball team (Dunmore, PA) will host Western Wayne (Lake Ariel, PA) for a conference game today at 7:15 p.m.

Matchup Details:

• Game: Western Wayne vs Holy Cross
• Date & Time: Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:15 p.m.
• Location: Holy Cross High School, Dunmore, PA
• Live stream: Watch Here

Western Wayne vs. Holy Cross: A Clash of Struggles and Strengths in High School Basketball

The upcoming basketball game between Western Wayne (Lake Ariel, PA) and Holy Cross (Dunmore, PA) on January 17, 2025, promises to be a fascinating matchup. The teams, heading in opposite directions in their respective seasons, bring contrasting records and styles to the court, making this a game full of intrigue for basketball fans.

Western Wayne’s Challenging Season

The Western Wayne Wildcats enter this contest with a record of 2-10, facing a difficult season in both league and non-league play. With a league record of 0-5, the Wildcats are still in search of their first conference win. Their struggles have been especially evident on the road, where they hold a dismal 1-6 record. Additionally, they have yet to win a league game, and their overall point differential is a concerning -177, having scored 447 points while allowing 624.

Despite their tough record, the Wildcats have shown some flashes of scoring ability, averaging 9.5 points in the first quarter, 10.0 in the second, and 9.0 in the third. However, their struggles in the fourth quarter, where they average just 4.0 points, have made it hard for them to close out games.

Holy Cross’s Stronghold on the League

Holy Cross, on the other hand, is in the midst of a stellar season. With a record of 11-2 overall and a perfect 5-0 in conference play, they are dominating their league, and their performance this season speaks to their efficiency and depth. Holy Cross has been especially strong on their home court, where they are unbeaten at 4-0, and have posted an impressive 4-2 record on the road.

The Crusaders are a high-scoring team, averaging 15.8 points in the first quarter, 14.2 in the second, 16.2 in the third, and a dominating 17.8 points in the fourth quarter. Their offensive output has been well-balanced, helping them post an average of 64.8 points per game compared to just 56.8 for Western Wayne. Holy Cross also has a strong defense, with their opponents only averaging 61.7 points per game.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Looking at the head-to-head records, the two teams have yet to face off this season, but their common opponents paint an interesting picture. Western Wayne has struggled against teams like Mid Valley, Dunmore, and Honesdale, while Holy Cross has consistently come out victorious in these same matchups. For example, when Holy Cross faced Mid Valley in January 2025, they triumphed 78-62, while Western Wayne lost 49-24 to the same team in December 2024.

Both teams have shared games against Riverside, Lakeland, and Old Forge, but Holy Cross holds a significant edge, having won all their matchups with these teams, while Western Wayne has yet to win any.

Looking Ahead

This game represents a critical test for Western Wayne, who will be looking for an upset against the league leader. They’ll need to shore up their offense, particularly in the second half of games, and find a way to counter Holy Cross’s potent attack.

For Holy Cross, continuing their strong play will be key, especially against a struggling Western Wayne team. With an undefeated conference record, they are in prime position to continue their run toward a league championship, and a win here would further solidify their status as one of the top teams in the region.

As the game kicks off tonight at 7:15 PM, all eyes will be on the court to see if Western Wayne can pull off the upset or if Holy Cross will extend their dominance.

Upcoming Rematch

After tonight’s game, the teams will meet again in a few weeks, on February 11, 2025, at Western Wayne’s home court. That game could carry even more weight depending on the outcomes of the teams’ future contests.

Both teams will need to adjust and capitalize on their respective strengths, making this matchup a thrilling one to watch.