The Heritage (Leesburg, VA) varsity basketball team will play a neutral non-conference game against Jefferson (Shenandoah Junction, WV) today at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Jefferson vs Heritage
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Jefferson vs Heritage

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, two teams have emerged as strong contenders: Jefferson High School from West Virginia and Heritage High School from Virginia. Both teams have shown impressive records, strong performances, and have faced off against similar opponents, making for an intriguing comparison.

Jefferson High School (24-25)

Jefferson has a solid start to their season with a 4-1 record, an .800 win percentage. Their offensive game averages 54.8 points per game, with a balanced attack throughout the four quarters: 11 points in the first quarter, 17 in the second, 15 in the third, and 14 in the fourth. The team has also posted a total of 274 points scored and 223 points allowed over the course of the season. Their impressive 2-1 home record, along with a perfect 2-0 mark in neutral-site games, highlights their ability to perform well on the road and in unfamiliar environments.

Heritage High School (24-25)

Heritage has put together an even stronger start, boasting a 6-1 record and an .857 win percentage. Their scoring average is slightly lower than Jefferson’s at 54.3 points per game, but they’ve been consistently solid in all four quarters: 13.3 points in the first, 15.0 in the second, 14.9 in the third, and 11.1 in the fourth. Heritage has scored 380 points while allowing 322. The team has a strong record both at home (3-1) and on the road (3-0), and has yet to play a neutral-site game this season.

Team Comparison

When comparing the teams statistically, both Jefferson and Heritage are fairly evenly matched in several key areas, though Heritage holds a slight edge in scoring. Jefferson leads in rebounds per game, averaging 28.1 compared to Heritage’s 28.0. The teams are very close in their ability to dish out assists, with Jefferson averaging 11.3 assists per game and Heritage at 11.0. In terms of defense, Jefferson outpaces Heritage in steals (9.9 per game to 8.9) and blocks (6.0 per game to 4.3).

Individual Leaders

Looking at individual performances, Jefferson has several standout players. Masyn Miller leads the team in points per game with 10.4, while Liam Roane is a force on the boards, grabbing 5.3 rebounds per game. Dylan Williams, known for his playmaking ability, averages 3.9 assists per game, while Jordan Garland contributes defensively with 2.5 steals per game. Roane also leads the team in blocks, with 1.6 per game.

Heritage’s top scorer is also a standout in the defensive and rebounding categories. Their leading scorer, averaging 5.2 points per game, is complemented by a strong rebounding presence with Roane, who leads the team in rebounds, steals, and blocks, making him a multi-dimensional player for the team.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against some of the same opponents, giving fans an opportunity to gauge how they compare. On December 17, 2024, Jefferson defeated Independence 54-43 at home, while Heritage had a 58-47 victory against the same team on December 5, 2024. The two teams will also face off against Briar Woods later in the season, which will offer an exciting comparison of how each team stacks up against their common rivals.

Record Breakdown

Jefferson and Heritage are both performing exceptionally well in non-league play, with Jefferson posting a 4-1 record in these games and Heritage a perfect 6-1. While neither team has yet played a playoff game, their strong start gives them high hopes as the season progresses.

At home, Jefferson has a solid 2-1 record, while Heritage’s 3-1 mark shows their home-court advantage is crucial to their success. Away from home, both teams perform well, with Jefferson holding a 2-0 record in neutral games and Heritage undefeated on the road at 3-0.

Looking Ahead

With both teams having strong starts to the season, the rest of the 2024-2025 high school basketball season promises to be exciting for Jefferson and Heritage. Fans can expect competitive matchups, especially as they face off against common opponents like Briar Woods. As the season progresses, both teams will likely continue to develop their strengths, and their rivalry could make for an exciting postseason showdown.

In conclusion, Jefferson High School and Heritage High School have demonstrated they are both capable of going deep into their respective state and regional tournaments. While Jefferson excels in defense and all-around play, Heritage shines with a high-scoring offense and strong individual performances. Basketball fans from both West Virginia and Virginia will undoubtedly be watching these two teams closely as the season unfolds.