The Independence High School (Charlotte, NC) varsity basketball team will face off against Catawba Ridge High School (Fort Mill, SC) today at 4 PM in a neutral, non-conference matchup. The game is part of the Phenom Hoops New Year’s Bash Showcase.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Independence vs Catawba Ridge
When: Saturday, December 28, 2024,
Time: 4:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Catawba Ridge vs. Independence: A Basketball Showdown Analysis

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, fans of both Catawba Ridge and Independence high schools are keenly watching their teams’ performances and statistics. With differing records, styles of play, and notable leaders, this article offers an in-depth look at how these two teams compare across key metrics.

Team Records & Standings

Catawba Ridge (SC)

• Overall Record: 4-7
• Region Record: 0-1
• Home Record: 2-2
• Away Record: 1-3
• Neutral Record: 1-2
• Points For (PF): 536
• Points Against (PA): 587
• Win Percentage: .364
• Region Win Percentage: .000

Independence (NC)

• Overall Record: 9-2
• Conference Record: 1-0
• Home Record: 3-2
• Away Record: 6-0
• Win Percentage: .818
• Conference Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points For (PF): 682
• Points Against (PA): 542
• Record Against Common Opponents: 1-1

Scoring Averages

Both teams showcase different scoring dynamics, with Independence averaging significantly higher points per game (PPG) than Catawba Ridge.

Catawba Ridge:

• Q1: 11.5
• Q2: 12.1
• Q3: 13.8
• Q4: 10.8
• Overtime (OT1): 7.0
• Final: 48.7 PPG

Independence:

• Q1: 14.4
• Q2: 17.3
• Q3: 14.8
• Q4: 15.5
• Final: 62.0 PPG

Independence’s offensive power is evident in their consistent scoring throughout each quarter, particularly in the second quarter where they average 17.3 points. Meanwhile, Catawba Ridge’s performance fluctuates more, scoring highest in the third quarter (13.8 points) but failing to maintain the pace in the fourth.

Key Statistical Comparison

Looking at a head-to-head comparison of team statistics, Independence leads in several categories:

• Points Per Game: Independence (62.0) vs. Catawba Ridge (48.7)
• Rebounds Per Game: Independence (27.8) vs. Catawba Ridge (26.8)
• Assists Per Game: Independence (11.1) vs. Catawba Ridge (10.3)
• Steals Per Game: Independence (10.1) vs. Catawba Ridge (7.3)
• Blocks Per Game: Both teams are tied with 3.7 per game.

Individual Leaders

Both teams feature standout players who significantly impact their respective teams.

Catawba Ridge

• Mark Caslaru: 12.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.7 BPG
• Casey Fikis: 3.7 APG
• Elijah Peters: 2.4 SPG

Independence

• Jaxson Neely: 12.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.4 SPG
• Kaleb Jasper: 4.9 APG
• Lusemo Macharia: 1.5 BPG

Caslaru’s all-around contributions make him a key player for Catawba Ridge, while Neely’s scoring and rebounding prowess make him the focal point for Independence.

Performance Against Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents, offering a glimpse into how they stack up against similar competition.

• Catawba Ridge vs. Palisades: Lost 54-36 (Away), Won 47-44 (Home)
• Independence vs. Palisades: Lost 51-45 (Home), Won 64-42 (Away)
• Catawba Ridge vs. Mallard Creek: Won 47-44 (Home)
• Independence vs. Mallard Creek: Won 64-42 (Home)

Interestingly, both teams have a 1-1 record against their common opponents. However, Independence’s win over Mallard Creek was more decisive, with a 22-point margin compared to Catawba Ridge’s closer win.

Conclusion

Catawba Ridge and Independence have different trajectories this season, with Independence boasting a solid 9-2 record and dominating most statistical categories. Catawba Ridge, however, has shown resilience, particularly in close games, and will look to build on its performances to improve its record.

The comparison between these teams highlights Independence’s offensive dominance and depth, but Catawba Ridge remains competitive and will hope to leverage the strength of individual players like Caslaru in future matchups. As the season unfolds, both teams are expected to make significant impacts in their respective conferences, with Independence looking to maintain their high level of play and Catawba Ridge seeking to turn around their fortunes.