The Jacksonville (NC) varsity basketball team is set to play a neutral non-conference game against Swansboro (NC) today at 6:00 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Jacksonville vs Swansboro
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 6:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Swansboro vs. Jacksonville: A Tale of Dominance and Struggles

As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, the contrasting fortunes of Swansboro and Jacksonville high school basketball teams are evident. While Swansboro has soared to the top of the standings, Jacksonville continues to face challenges, setting the stage for a thrilling matchup between these two North Carolina teams.

Swansboro’s Perfect Record

Swansboro (8-0) has been a force to be reckoned with in the early part of the season. With a flawless win record, they have dominated both at home (3-0) and on the road (5-0), exhibiting their prowess across all venues. The team’s offensive and defensive balance has been key to their success, averaging 73.8 points per game while allowing just 52.1 points per game. Their scoring is spread across all four quarters, with an average of 20.0 points in the first quarter, followed by steady performances in the second (16.3), third (21.3), and fourth (17.0).

Jermaine Cunningham has been the standout player for Swansboro, leading the team in multiple categories, including points (20.0), rebounds (9.4), assists (5.0), and steals (3.9). His all-around performances have been critical in driving the team to victories, and he is a key player to watch for the rest of the season.

Jacksonville’s Struggles

In stark contrast, Jacksonville (1-3) has faced a rocky start to their season. With a 1-0 home record and a disappointing 0-3 record on the road, the team has struggled to find consistency. Their average of just 50.8 points per game indicates offensive difficulties, as they fall behind in the scoring race. Their defensive record is not much better, with an average of 72.8 points allowed per game. The scoring breakdown further highlights their challenges, with only 6.0 points in each of the first two quarters, before slightly improving in the latter stages of games.

Carson Leifheit has been the top performer for Jacksonville, contributing an average of 12.5 points per game, while Deondrea Gill leads the team in rebounds (8.3) and Ra-Shawn Echols has stepped up with 5.0 assists per game. Despite their individual efforts, the team has yet to find the consistency needed to translate those performances into wins.

Recent Encounter: Swansboro Dominates

In their most recent matchup on December 17, 2024, Swansboro defeated Jacksonville 83-62 in an impressive display of basketball. While Jacksonville struggled throughout, Swansboro showcased their offensive firepower, cruising to a comfortable win. The game was a reflection of the ongoing gap between these two teams, as Swansboro dominated in both scoring and defense.

Common Opponents: Swansboro’s Dominance

Swansboro’s strong start has been further validated by their results against common opponents. With a 3-0 record against teams they share with Jacksonville, they have proven their mettle in tough games. Jacksonville, on the other hand, has struggled in these matchups, with a 0-1 record against the same teams. Notably, Jacksonville lost to White Oak 72-42 in their latest encounter, further underscoring their struggles.

Key Players to Watch

• Swansboro: Jermaine Cunningham, with his all-around dominance, remains the most impactful player on the floor. His leadership and consistency have been pivotal to Swansboro’s undefeated record.
• Jacksonville: Carson Leifheit and Deondrea Gill are the standout players for Jacksonville. Leifheit’s scoring and Gill’s rebounding will be crucial for the team if they hope to turn their season around.

What Lies Ahead?

The teams will face off again in a neutral non-conference game later this week, with Swansboro looking to extend their perfect record, and Jacksonville hoping to bounce back. Swansboro has shown that they are one of the top teams in the region, while Jacksonville must address its weaknesses to improve as the season progresses.

With both teams having games scheduled against tough opponents in the coming weeks, the Swansboro-Jacksonville rivalry is one to watch closely. Will Swansboro continue its dominance, or can Jacksonville pull off an upset? Time will tell.