The John Marshall High School (Richmond, VA) varsity basketball team will face off against Southern School of Energy and Sustainability (Durham, NC) today at 2:00 PM in a neutral-site tournament game.

Matchup Details:

• Teams: SSEAS vs. John Marshall
• Date: Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024
• Time: 2:00 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Event: Part of the “John Wall Holiday Invitational – Coby White Bracket” tournament.

SSEAS and John Marshall Basketball: A Head-to-Head Look at Perfect Seasons

As the 2024-2025 basketball season rolls on, two teams remain unbeaten in their respective divisions, making their mark with dominant performances. The teams in question, SSEAS (Saints and Sinners Elite Athletic Squad) and John Marshall, have both posted perfect records so far, and their impressive stats reveal a lot about their success.

Unbeaten Records and Dominant Performances

Both SSEAS and John Marshall have shown remarkable consistency throughout the season, boasting identical 8-0 records. With no losses on their record, these teams have proven to be powerful contenders in their conferences and across non-league matchups.

SSEAS has been particularly dominant on neutral ground, where they hold a perfect 4-0 record. John Marshall, meanwhile, has dominated at home, maintaining a flawless 5-0 record in their home games. Both teams have shown their mettle away from home as well, with SSEAS going 2-0 in away games and John Marshall posting a 2-0 record in similar matchups.

Scoring Efficiency and Team Averages

When it comes to scoring, John Marshall leads with a higher points per game average of 84.0, compared to SSEAS’s 75.0. This indicates that John Marshall’s offense is operating at a more efficient pace, with a slight edge in overall scoring. However, SSEAS has been no slouch in terms of offensive output, averaging nearly 73 points per game.

The scoring breakdown across the quarters highlights a few differences. SSEAS tends to increase their scoring in the third quarter, where they average 24.0 points—significantly higher than their first and second quarters. Meanwhile, John Marshall’s offensive output is relatively consistent throughout the game, with their highest quarter average (21.0) coming in the third as well. In total, John Marshall has a slightly higher scoring average (80.4) compared to SSEAS (72.9), showing their ability to maintain offensive pressure.

Statistical Comparison

Both teams excel in key statistical categories, but the numbers reveal some distinct differences. John Marshall leads in almost every area, including points per game (84.0 vs. 75.0), field goal percentage, and overall scoring depth. They have managed to score more effectively and with greater balance across all players.

However, SSEAS is not far behind. They maintain a higher rebound average of 31.5 per game, compared to John Marshall’s 30.8. Both teams boast strong defensive statistics, with SSEAS averaging 7.8 steals and 4.5 blocks per game, while John Marshall’s defense also stands out with 8.3 steals and 4.7 blocks per game.

Standout Players

Looking at individual performances, both teams feature star players who are leading the charge. For SSEAS, Jackson Keith has been a consistent force, leading the team with 24.2 points per game and pulling down 6.7 rebounds per game. Keith’s contribution has been vital to the team’s success. On the other side, John Marshall’s Aiden Argabright has posted a team-leading 22.5 points per game, closely followed by Ladarius Givan, who is pulling down 10.3 rebounds per game.

Other key players include AJ Morman Jr. for SSEAS, who averages 4.7 assists per game and 1.8 steals, as well as John Marshall’s Troy Henderson, who contributes 6.0 assists per game and is a key playmaker. Both teams are well-rounded, with each having a player capable of impacting all aspects of the game.

Strength of Schedule

Both teams have faced strong competition, but there are some differences in their schedules. SSEAS has a well-balanced schedule with a mixture of in-state and out-of-state games. Their 6-0 record in non-league matchups demonstrates their versatility and ability to handle teams from various regions.

John Marshall has had a similar experience, with a 7-0 record in non-league play. The team’s dominance, especially in state, is evident with their perfect 6-0 mark against in-state competition.

Looking Ahead

As the season continues, both SSEAS and John Marshall have shown that they are not only undefeated but also incredibly well-rounded teams. With high offensive outputs, strong defenses, and outstanding individual performances, both teams look set to compete for the top spot in their conferences.

In terms of team dynamics, SSEAS thrives on balance and depth, while John Marshall’s high-scoring offense and superior individual performances set them apart. Fans of both teams can expect more thrilling matchups as they continue their pursuit of an undefeated season and a potential conference championship. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to this remarkable season for both teams!