The Jackson South Side (Jackson, TN) varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against Haywood (Brownsville, TN) on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need to Basketball know:

What: Tennessee High School Basketball
Who: Jackson South Side vs Haywood
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Basketball Preview: Haywood vs. Jackson South Side – December 20, 2024

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, an exciting matchup between Haywood and Jackson South Side looms on the horizon. These two Tennessee teams, each with unique strengths and challenges, will face off on December 20, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in a non-conference game at Jackson South Side.

Team Records and Performance

• Haywood (4-7) has struggled early in the season, particularly on the road, with a 1-2 home record and a 3-2 record in away games. Their overall record stands at 4-7, which includes some close losses and hard-fought wins.
• Jackson South Side (5-2), on the other hand, has found success early in the season, with an impressive 4-0 record in away games and a 1-2 mark at home. Their overall record of 5-2 reflects a more balanced performance and strong team cohesion.

Recent Matchup: Jackson South Side Dominates

The most recent encounter between these two teams occurred on December 6, 2024, when Jackson South Side won on the road with a decisive score of 79-70. Despite a strong effort from Haywood, Jackson South Side controlled the pace of the game, showcasing their scoring depth and ability to perform in key moments.

The two teams will meet again on December 20, with Haywood hoping to avenge their previous defeat on Jackson South Side’s home court.

Team Scoring Averages

• Haywood averages 67.1 points per game, with a solid scoring distribution across all four quarters. Their scoring per quarter is notably consistent, with an average of 16.2 in the first quarter, 14.7 in the second, 19.0 in the third, and 16.3 in the fourth. They will rely heavily on their offensive balance to keep the game competitive against Jackson South Side.
• Jackson South Side has a slightly lower scoring average of 62.0 points per game but has proven to be more efficient in their scoring, especially in away games where they boast a perfect 4-0 record.

Key Players to Watch

• Haywood’s Lekenndric Watkins is the standout player for his team. Leading with 19.6 points per game, he also contributes significantly with 5.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists. Watkins’ ability to score and distribute the ball will be crucial for Haywood in this matchup.
• For Jackson South Side, the team’s offense is led by a balanced squad with no standout scorer but a focus on team play. They will rely on solid contributions across the board to match Haywood’s high-scoring plays.

Statistical Comparison

• Haywood averages 66.5 points per game, with a focus on a high-paced offense. They also lead in several team categories, including 28.6 rebounds per game and 11.4 assists per game.
• Jackson South Side has a slightly lower offensive output but compensates with solid team defense and efficiency in execution.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents, giving insight into how they might fare against one another:

• Haywood has a 1-1 record against Jackson North Side, including a 79-67 loss on December 3 and a 71-70 win on December 17.
• Jackson South Side, meanwhile, has faced off against Bolivar Central and Jackson North Side, posting a strong 2-0 record against common opponents.

Upcoming Game Predictions

• Haywood will need to focus on tightening their defense, especially against a Jackson South Side squad that has shown the ability to capitalize on opportunities.
• Jackson South Side’s ability to win on the road will give them an edge in this matchup, but Haywood’s offensive firepower and resilience will make it a tough contest.

As both teams gear up for the next showdown, this non-conference game promises to be an exciting clash that could have significant implications for their season trajectory. Will Haywood bounce back after their previous loss, or will Jackson South Side continue their strong run? Stay tuned to find out