The 2024-25 Utah high school basketball season is well underway, and two Catholic high schools, Juan Diego Catholic and Judge Memorial Catholic, are making waves in their respective ways. Here’s an in-depth look at their performances, highlighting their rankings, stats, and standout players.

Season Overview and Rankings

Juan Diego Catholic has emerged as a strong contender this season with an impressive 5-1 overall record and a state ranking of 8th in Class 2A. In contrast, Judge Memorial Catholic has struggled, holding a 3-6 overall record and ranking 50th in Class 2A. Despite the gap in records, both teams have shown moments of brilliance on the court.

Record Breakdown

• Juan Diego Catholic:
  • Home: 2-0
  • Away: 2-1
  • Neutral: 1-0
  • Win Percentage: .833
• Judge Memorial Catholic:
  • Home: 2-2
  • Away: 1-4
  • Neutral: 0-0
  • Win Percentage: .333

Team Performance

Juan Diego Catholic has excelled in scoring, averaging 63.5 points per game (PPG), while Judge Memorial averages 54.2 PPG. Juan Diego also leads in rebounds (33.7 per game) and assists (15.5 per game), showcasing a well-rounded team dynamic. However, Judge Memorial holds an edge in steals, averaging 7.7 per game compared to Juan Diego’s 6.3.

Scoring Patterns by Quarter

Juan Diego Catholic consistently outpaces Judge Memorial across all four quarters, with standout second-quarter performances averaging 17.3 points. Judge Memorial, though competitive in the first quarter (16.7 points), struggles to maintain momentum in subsequent periods.

Player Highlights

Key players from both teams have emerged as pivotal contributors:

Juan Diego Catholic:

• Luke Meyer (#2):
  • Points per Game: 18.0
  • Rebounds per Game: 11.3
• Stockton Young (#12):
  • Assists per Game: 3.7
• Hunter Chamberlain (#24):
  • Steals per Game: 1.7

Judge Memorial Catholic:

• Deng Deng (#12):
  • Points per Game: 15.2
  • Blocks per Game: 1.3
• Longar Alor (#33):
  • Rebounds per Game: 5.9
• Aymen Ismail (#11):
  • Steals per Game: 2.9

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

The two teams have not yet faced each other this season, but both have competed against Summit Academy and Springville. Juan Diego defeated Summit Academy decisively with a score of 85-36, while Judge Memorial is set to face Summit Academy later in the season. Against Springville, Judge Memorial suffered a narrow 66-58 loss.

Upcoming Matchups Against Common Opponents:

• Summit Academy:
  • Judge Memorial faces them on January 17, 2025, and January 31, 2025.
• Springville:
  • Juan Diego meets Springville on December 31, 2024.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Juan Diego Catholic has shown consistency and depth, leveraging high-scoring games and strong rebounding to maintain its winning streak. The team’s ability to dominate at home and hold their own on the road speaks to their discipline and preparation.

On the other hand, Judge Memorial Catholic has struggled with consistency, particularly in away games where they hold a 1-4 record. However, individual brilliance, particularly from players like Deng Deng and Aymen Ismail, keeps them competitive.

Looking Ahead

Juan Diego Catholic appears poised to continue its successful season, while Judge Memorial Catholic has the potential to turn things around with improvements in offensive execution and consistency. The possibility of a head-to-head matchup later this season would undoubtedly make for an exciting contest between these two teams.

As the season progresses, Utah high school basketball fans will eagerly watch to see if Juan Diego can maintain its momentum and if Judge Memorial can rise to the challenge.