The Wasatch Academy varsity basketball team (Mt. Pleasant, UT) will face IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) in a neutral conference game on Friday, January 17 at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: IMG Academy vs Wasatch Academy
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: IMG Academy vs Wasatch Academy
As Utah high school basketball continues to garner attention for its competitive teams, two programs, in particular, stand out: IMG Academy from Florida and Wasatch Academy from Utah. Although IMG Academy competes out of state, its impressive performance against both local and national teams showcases a strong basketball culture. Meanwhile, Wasatch Academy has cemented itself as a dominant force within Utah, consistently making waves both in the region and at the national level.
Records and Performance Breakdown
IMG Academy has posted a strong 12-2 record for the 2024-25 season, with an undefeated district record of 1-0 and an overall win percentage of .857. Their average points per game (PPG) is an impressive 75.2, underscoring their explosive offense. The team has also demonstrated balance across various types of games, going 7-2 in neutral settings, and 4-0 in away games.
On the other hand, Wasatch Academy boasts a slightly stronger overall record at 13-4, but with a less impressive regional mark of 3-3. Their points per game (61.6) are notably lower than IMG Academy, which suggests that their style of play might rely more on defense and slowing down the pace of the game. With a win percentage of .765, Wasatch Academy remains one of Utah’s top programs, though they have had a more difficult time in regional matchups.
Scoring and Statistical Comparisons
When comparing the two teams’ scoring and individual player performances, IMG Academy has a clear edge in most categories. Their scoring is spread out efficiently, with contributions from multiple players. Darius Acuff and Sadiq White Jr. stand out in highlight reels for IMG Academy, while Isiah Harwell leads the team in points per game with an average of 13.0.
Wasatch Academy does not feature videos like IMG Academy but has notable players such as Junior County and Katrelle Harmon. County contributes significantly in rebounds (4.6 RPG) and steals (1.3 SPG), while Harmon excels in assists (4.4 APG), making the team strong in ball distribution. Wasatch’s defensive approach is clear with a more focused effort on limiting scoring opportunities for opponents, as seen in their lower points-per-game average of 61.6.
Common Opponents: IMG vs. Wasatch
Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with IMG Academy maintaining a perfect 5-0 record against these teams. Some of their notable wins include victories over La Lumiere (64-54), AZ Compass Prep (64-62), and Oak Hill Academy (80-71). This strong track record speaks to the competitiveness and strength of the IMG program, which competes at the highest levels.
On the other hand, Wasatch Academy has posted a 2-2 record against these common opponents, with wins over Legacy Early College (62-44) and Link Academy (70-55). However, they suffered defeats against AZ Compass Prep National (60-53) and Montverde Academy (77-47). The contrast in performance against these teams highlights the challenges Wasatch Academy faces in their attempt to break into the upper echelons of national high school basketball.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Currently, IMG Academy and Wasatch Academy have not faced each other head-to-head in the 2024-25 season, leaving much speculation about how the teams would stack up in a direct matchup. Based on their respective performances against common opponents, IMG Academy holds the advantage in terms of both scoring and overall playmaking ability. However, Wasatch Academy’s grit and defensive prowess cannot be discounted, which could make for an interesting battle in the future.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Titans
The comparison between IMG Academy and Wasatch Academy highlights not only the skill disparity but also the differing styles that each program embodies. IMG Academy is a powerhouse team, boasting an incredible offensive system that can rack up high scores. Meanwhile, Wasatch Academy continues to thrive in Utah and show promise on the national stage, but their path to success often requires overcoming tough regional competition.
As these two schools continue to make headlines in high school basketball, fans can look forward to potential showdowns that will surely showcase the best of both teams. Whether it’s IMG Academy’s high-scoring offense or Wasatch Academy’s defensive strategy, these teams represent the pinnacle of talent and determination in Utah high school basketball.
