The Hopewell High School varsity basketball team from Huntersville, NC, is hosting a tournament game against Lawrence County High School from Louisa, KY.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Hopewell vs Lawrence County
When: Saturday, December 28, 2024,
Time: 1:15. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Lawrence County vs. Hopewell: A Breakdown of the 2024-25 Basketball Season

As the 2024-25 basketball season progresses, two teams have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike: Lawrence County and Hopewell. These two high-performing teams have been on impressive runs, posting strong records and showing notable strengths on both offense and defense. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the two teams and explore how they stack up against each other, as well as their individual performances.

Lawrence County (24-25) – A Dominant Force in Kentucky

Lawrence County enters the 2024-25 season with a remarkable overall record of 8-1, boasting a perfect 2-0 district record. The team has been exceptional at home, with a 5-0 mark in away games. Their scoring average stands at 74.2 points per game, with significant contributions from players like Mike Brown, who leads the team with 17.8 points per game.

In terms of team stats, Lawrence County averages 18.9 rebounds per game, showing their physicality in the paint, and they also have a solid 8.1 assists per game. On the defensive side, they average 6.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. This well-rounded approach has given them a winning edge in both home and away contests. Notably, the team defeated Bishop England 71-69 in their most recent matchup, securing another victory to boost their momentum.

Key Team Leaders for Lawrence County:

• Points per game: Mike Brown (17.8)
• Rebounds per game: Arael Jones (8.0)
• Assists per game: Kamari Cooke (5.5)
• Steals per game: Arael Jones (3.8)
• Blocks per game: Messiah Cage (1.0)

Hopewell (24-25) – Perfect Record in North Carolina

Hopewell, representing North Carolina, has been nothing short of dominant with an undefeated 9-0 record this season. They have managed to stay perfect in both league play (2-0) and non-league matchups (6-0), making them a formidable opponent in their class, ranking #25 nationally and #5 in their state conference.

The team has scored an average of 68.0 points per game, with key contributors like Kamari Cooke, who leads the squad in assists with 5.5 per game. Hopewell’s scoring balance is evident, with 17.3 points per game in the first quarter setting the tone early in games. Their defense, however, also deserves mention, averaging 6.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, similar to Lawrence County’s defensive prowess. They too pulled out a close victory over Archbishop Alter, winning 51-50 in their most recent contest.

Key Team Leaders for Hopewell:

• Points per game: Mike Brown (17.8)
• Rebounds per game: Arael Jones (8.0)
• Assists per game: Kamari Cooke (5.5)
• Steals per game: Arael Jones (3.8)
• Blocks per game: Messiah Cage (1.0)

Scoring and Offensive Comparisons

Looking at the team’s scoring averages, Lawrence County leads with 74.2 points per game, which is significantly higher than Hopewell’s 68.0 points per game. However, Hopewell has excelled in its ability to maintain consistent scoring, particularly in the first half of games with an average of 33.5 points in the first two quarters. Lawrence County’s strength lies in their ability to accelerate in the second half, scoring an impressive 25.5 points per fourth quarter.

Defensive Edge

When comparing defensive statistics, Lawrence County and Hopewell show similar numbers. Both teams excel at steals, averaging 6.0 steals per game, and are efficient with their shot-blocking abilities. Lawrence County edges Hopewell slightly in rebounds, averaging 18.9 per game compared to Hopewell’s 18.0. Despite the slight difference, both teams have been able to disrupt their opponents’ offensive rhythm and maintain defensive pressure throughout their games.

Record Breakdown

When examining their overall performance, both teams have shown dominance in various categories:

• Lawrence County: 8-1 overall, with a perfect record of 5-0 in away games. Their only loss came outside their district.
• Hopewell: Undefeated at 9-0, with 4-0 on the road and perfect 2-0 marks in conference play.

Both teams have shared opponents this season, and in head-to-head matchups with teams like Bishop England and Archbishop Alter, each squad secured one victory, showing their competitiveness.

Conclusion

With both teams excelling in different aspects of the game, the matchups between Lawrence County and Hopewell promise to be exciting, filled with high-scoring plays and intense defensive battles. Lawrence County boasts a more prolific offense, while Hopewell’s undefeated record speaks to their consistency and strong overall play.

Both teams are destined for success this season, and as the competition heats up, basketball fans should expect thrilling performances from these two powerhouse teams as they march toward postseason glory.