The Cleveland (TN) varsity basketball team will play a home non-conference game against Knoxville Catholic (Knoxville, TN) today at 6 p.m.

Matchup Details
Knoxville Catholic High School (KCHS) vs. Cleveland
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Cleveland High School (TN)

• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Knoxville Catholic and Cleveland: A Statistical Comparison of Two Strong Tennessee Basketball Teams

The 2024-2025 basketball season has seen impressive performances from both Knoxville Catholic and Cleveland High Schools, two teams from Tennessee whose achievements on the court have garnered attention. As we break down their stats, we can see the strengths and areas of improvement for each team, setting the stage for exciting future matchups.

Knoxville Catholic: A Season of Dominance

Knoxville Catholic has had a standout season with an overall record of 13-4, including a perfect 1-0 record in district play. Their performances at home (5-0) and away (5-2) reflect their adaptability and competitive spirit across various environments. They’ve averaged 74.2 points per game and allowed 1,097 points over the season. With a win percentage of .765, Knoxville Catholic is proving to be one of the top teams in their class, not only in the district but across the state.

Their offense has been highly effective, led by standout player Cade Murphy, who is averaging 24.0 points per game. Murphy’s scoring prowess is complemented by his 9.1 rebounds per game, making him a crucial asset both offensively and defensively. Other key players like Carson Asbaty have contributed significantly with 5.7 assists and 3.4 steals per game, showcasing the team’s depth in facilitating plays and creating turnovers.

Cleveland: Consistency and Competitive Play

Cleveland, with a solid 9-5 record, has displayed consistent performances, especially in home games (4-2). They’ve scored an average of 64.6 points per game and allowed 727 points throughout the season. Although Cleveland’s overall win percentage (.643) is slightly lower than Knoxville Catholic’s, they have shown their competitive edge, particularly in their ability to close games, as reflected in their strong fourth-quarter performances where they average 22 points.

Leading Cleveland’s offense is Tim Matthews, who has been a standout with 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Matthews’ all-around contributions have made him the key player to watch on this team. His ability to lead both in scoring and playmaking has made Cleveland a formidable opponent. Additionally, players like Baraka Ndegwa and Antonio Westfield have contributed to the team’s defensive efforts with steals and blocks, respectively.

Team Scoring Averages and Statistical Comparison

In terms of scoring, Knoxville Catholic holds a distinct advantage. The team averages 74.0 points per game, while Cleveland trails with 58.7 points per game. Knoxville Catholic also excels in rebounding (34.9 RPG) and assists (15.6 APG), which are higher than Cleveland’s 27.4 RPG and 14.1 APG. Defensively, both teams are competitive, with Knoxville Catholic leading in steals (11.2 SPG) compared to Cleveland’s 10.1 SPG.

Head-to-Head Matchups and Common Opponents

When examining their performances against common opponents, both teams have shown resilience. For example, Knoxville Catholic defeated Bradley Central 66-61 on December 3, 2024, while Cleveland fell short in a close game against Bradley Central, losing 54-51. However, both teams triumphed over Chattanooga Christian, with Knoxville Catholic taking the win on December 3, 2024, and Cleveland winning 74-47 in their matchup on January 7, 2025. These matchups highlight both teams’ ability to face tough competition with varying results.

Record Breakdown: Home, Away, and Neutral Games

Knoxville Catholic has been more dominant at home (5-0), but they’ve also proven they can win on the road (5-2) and in neutral settings (3-2). Cleveland, on the other hand, has been strong at home (4-2) and effective on the road (3-1), but they’ve shown some inconsistency in neutral games, posting a 2-2 record.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, both Knoxville Catholic and Cleveland continue to build on their success. Knoxville Catholic has more explosive scoring and depth, but Cleveland’s consistency and strong leadership from players like Tim Matthews make them a formidable opponent. With both teams performing well against common opponents and continuing to develop, the remainder of the season will be an exciting showcase of Tennessee high school basketball talent.

The key matchups to watch include the upcoming games between both teams, which could potentially shape the district standings and set the tone for playoff success. Whether it’s Knoxville Catholic’s offensive firepower or Cleveland’s all-around team play, one thing is clear: both teams have the talent and determination to make a deep postseason run.

As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, basketball fans will be eagerly watching these two Tennessee powerhouses in action, eager to see how they perform in the district and beyond.