The Jordan High School varsity basketball team (Durham, NC) will host Riverside-Durham (Durham, NC) for a home conference game on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 8:00 PM.

Game Details
Teams: Riverside-Durham vs Jordan
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM

• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Riverside-Durham vs. Jordan: A Tale of Two Basketball Teams in the 2024-2025 Season

The rivalry between Riverside-Durham and Jordan has become a captivating spectacle in North Carolina high school basketball. With both teams showing off impressive talent and contrasting records, fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on this matchup. Let’s dive into the statistics, head-to-head performances, and what to expect in their upcoming game.

Riverside-Durham’s Roller Coaster Season

Riverside-Durham has experienced a season of ups and downs. With an overall record of 7-14, the team has struggled to find consistency. They’ve had a few bright spots, particularly in conference play, where they hold a 3-4 record. However, their home performance (4-8) and away struggles (2-5) have hindered their ability to climb up the standings.

Despite these challenges, Riverside-Durham has shown resilience. Their points-per-game average of 47.7 is respectable, though far from the high-scoring potential of their rivals. Leading the way is senior Robert McDonald, averaging 10.1 points per game, and Noam Cohen, who brings an all-around presence with 5.1 rebounds per game. The team’s defensive effort has been solid too, as they average 7.7 steals and 3.7 blocks per game.

Jordan’s Dominance on the Court

Jordan, on the other hand, has been on a tear this season. With a remarkable 18-2 overall record and a perfect 6-0 conference record, they’ve proven themselves to be one of the top teams in the area. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, averaging 61.5 points per game, with Rivers Knight leading the charge with 17.4 points per game.

Jordan’s impressive stats aren’t just limited to scoring; they’re also dominating in other areas. The team boasts a well-balanced game, with Knight also contributing 10.2 rebounds per game, and Derek Ross Jr. leading in assists (8.3). Their efficiency has been especially evident in their conference games, where they remain unbeaten. The team’s defense is also formidable, averaging 7.8 steals and 6.1 blocks per game, which has helped them maintain a high win percentage.

Head-to-Head Matchups

The head-to-head performances between these two teams show a clear advantage for Jordan. In their first meeting on December 31, 2024, Jordan cruised to a 72-53 victory in a neutral tournament game. Riverside-Durham struggled to keep up with Jordan’s offensive firepower, ultimately losing by 19 points. Later, on January 17, 2025, Jordan once again triumphed, this time on the road with a 57-51 win. Riverside-Durham showed resilience but couldn’t close the gap in the final stretch.

The most recent matchup between these teams took place on January 17, where Jordan dominated in the second half, outscoring Riverside-Durham by 14 points in the final quarter. Riverside-Durham’s inability to maintain momentum in both of these games raised concerns, particularly when matched against Jordan’s offensive depth and defensive prowess.

Key Player Comparisons

When comparing the key players of both teams, Jordan has the edge. Rivers Knight and Derek Ross Jr. have been key contributors, with Knight leading in scoring and rebounds while Ross Jr. has been the team’s floor general. Riverside-Durham, however, has Robert McDonald leading in scoring and Noam Cohen handling the rebounding duties. While McDonald’s scoring ability gives Riverside-Durham a chance, it’s clear that Jordan’s depth and leadership, particularly from Knight and Ross Jr., make them the team to beat.

Common Opponents

The teams have faced off against several common opponents this season. Jordan holds a perfect 6-0 record against teams that Riverside-Durham has a 3-4 record against. Notably, Jordan defeated Durham Academy, Chapel Hill, and Hillside, teams that have handed Riverside-Durham losses this season. The stark contrast in these records underscores the difference in consistency and performance between the two teams.

What to Expect in the Upcoming Game

As Riverside-Durham prepares for their next game against Jordan on February 7, the stakes are high. Riverside-Durham will need to find a way to neutralize Jordan’s offensive attack while improving their own scoring efficiency. With Jordan’s defense locking down opponents, Riverside-Durham will need a standout performance from McDonald and Cohen to keep the game close.

Jordan, on the other hand, will look to extend their dominance in the conference and keep their perfect record intact. With the depth and experience they’ve shown, they’ll likely enter as favorites to win yet again, aiming to make it 3-0 in the season series.

Conclusion

As we approach this exciting matchup, it’s clear that Jordan holds the upper hand in terms of record and overall performance. Riverside-Durham will need to be at their best, overcoming their inconsistencies to pull off an upset. With both teams showcasing strong individual performances and team dynamics, this game is shaping up to be another thrilling chapter in this local rivalry.

Who will come out on top? We’ll find out on February 7 as Riverside-Durham looks to topple Jordan in what promises to be an intense contest.