The Illinois Valley High School (Cave Junction, OR) varsity basketball team will host Riddle (OR) for a non-conference game on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Oregon High School Basketball
Who: Illinois Valley vs Riddle
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 2:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Riddle vs. Illinois Valley: A 2024-2025 Basketball Season Analysis

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, two teams that have caught attention in their respective leagues are the Riddle Raptors and the Illinois Valley Cougars. Both teams have shown promising records, with Riddle at 7-3 and Illinois Valley at 6-3 overall, and their performances in key matchups, as well as their head-to-head histories, offer interesting insights into their strengths and areas of development. Let’s take a closer look at how these two teams compare this season.

Riddle Raptors: Overview of the Season

The Riddle Raptors have been performing strongly this season, with a 7-3 overall record, including an impressive 4-0 record in away games. They have managed to score an average of 59.5 points per game, demonstrating a balanced offensive attack, although they allow 524 points overall for a +71 point differential. Their play has been a mixture of consistency at home (3-3 record) and dominance on the road (4-0).

Key games for Riddle have included close losses and wins that could determine their final standing. A notable recent loss came on December 21, 2024, against Prospect, where Riddle fell 57-51 in an away game. This defeat raised questions about their ability to compete with top teams, but their undefeated away record suggests they can perform under pressure on the road.

Illinois Valley Cougars: Overview of the Season

The Illinois Valley Cougars, with a 6-3 overall record, have been similarly impressive, with a strong performance in non-league games where they boast a 5-2 record. Their average points per game (61.2) slightly outpaces that of Riddle, and they’ve scored 551 points this season while allowing 443. Their season, however, has not been without its ups and downs. A tough loss to Days Creek (58-54) highlights a vulnerability, but their victories against strong opponents like Rogue River (72-35) and Glendale (64-43) showcase their potential.

Illinois Valley has faced a bit of a struggle at home (1-1), but they have been exceptional on the road, with a 4-1 away record, similar to Riddle’s success away from home. The Cougars’ recent win against Prospect on December 17, 2024, by a comfortable 65-51 margin, demonstrates that they are capable of taking control in high-pressure games.

Common Opponents: A Key Factor

One of the most interesting elements in comparing these two teams is their performance against common opponents. The most notable common opponent is Prospect. Riddle lost 57-51 to Prospect on December 21, 2024, while Illinois Valley earned a 65-51 victory over the same team just a few days earlier, on December 17, 2024. This head-to-head result against Prospect suggests that Illinois Valley may have a slight edge over Riddle when facing common opponents.

Both teams also have games coming up against teams like Gold Beach and Rogue River, which could further define their seasons. Riddle’s strong record at home and away gives them a solid foundation for these upcoming games, but Illinois Valley’s strong overall and away performances make them a formidable contender.

Comparing the Record Breakdown

Looking at their records in more detail:

• Riddle: They’ve performed consistently in non-league play with a 7-2 record. The Raptors’ strength seems to lie in their away game performances, where they are perfect so far. At home, they’ve faced some challenges, finishing with a 3-3 record.
• Illinois Valley: The Cougars have a 6-2 record in non-league play and a perfect 4-1 record in away games. Their performance in league play (0-1) will be a key factor in their postseason aspirations. They also have a strong in-state record at 5-3, which will prove crucial in upcoming matchups.

Both teams will likely rely on their away success as they prepare for the remainder of the season, especially as their paths to the playoffs grow clearer.

Final Thoughts

As the season progresses, the Riddle Raptors and Illinois Valley Cougars will undoubtedly continue to battle for dominance in their respective leagues. Illinois Valley’s slightly higher average points per game and stronger performance against common opponents like Prospect may give them a slight advantage in head-to-head matchups. However, Riddle’s undefeated away record and ability to compete on the road make them a dangerous team that could upset higher-ranked opponents.

Both teams have a lot to play for as they move into the heart of the season, and their matchups against each other, along with upcoming games against tough teams, will likely shape the narrative for the remainder of the 2024-2025 basketball campaign. Fans of both teams can expect exciting and competitive games as the season unfolds.