The Juneau-Douglas varsity basketball team (Juneau, AK) is hosting a non-conference home game against Soldotna (AK) tonight at 7 p.m.
Juneau-Douglas vs Soldotna Girls Basketball Game Info:
What: Alaska High School Girls Basketball
Who: Juneau-Douglas vs Soldotna
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Watch here: Watch here
Game preview: Juneau-Douglas vs Soldotna
The basketball rivalry between Soldotna and Juneau-Douglas is heating up as the two teams prepare to face off in an exciting non-conference matchup. The game, which takes place tonight at 7 p.m. in Juneau, Alaska, promises to showcase thrilling basketball action as both teams bring impressive records to the court.
Soldotna’s Strong Record and Team Performance
With a current overall record of 7-2, Soldotna has been on a solid run this season. The team has displayed consistent excellence both at home (2-0) and on the road (3-1), making them a formidable opponent. Their average points per game stands at 42.2, with a balanced offensive attack across all four quarters: 11.3 points in the first and fourth quarters, and 9.3 in the second. While their defense has shown some vulnerability, conceding 298 points on the season, their offensive depth and scoring potential make them a tough team to beat.
Leading the charge for Soldotna is #24 Hope Hillyer, who averages 12.0 points per game and is also a force on the boards with 6.9 rebounds per game. Hillyer’s well-rounded contributions, including 2.4 blocks per game, have been key to Soldotna’s success this season.
Juneau-Douglas’ Explosive Offense
Juneau-Douglas enters the game with a 5-2 record, showing a similar level of dominance to their opponents. The team’s offense has been red-hot, averaging a staggering 50.1 points per game—almost 8 points more than Soldotna. Their scoring is spread out evenly across all four quarters, with their biggest surge occurring in the final period (18.0 points per game).
Defensively, Juneau-Douglas has proven to be just as effective, allowing only 246 points throughout their seven games. Their well-rounded scoring attack and ability to limit opponents’ offense could give them the edge in this showdown.
Key Players and Matchup
Hope Hillyer will be the focal point for Soldotna, while Juneau-Douglas looks to keep its offensive balance intact. The team’s leadership will come from a well-rounded unit that includes strong performances from all players on the court.
For Soldotna, Hillyer’s dominance inside, paired with Juliet Innes’ contributions (3.0 steals per game), will be critical in maintaining control of the game. On the other hand, Juneau-Douglas boasts players who contribute to both scoring and defense, making them unpredictable and difficult to defend.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
In head-to-head matchups this season, Soldotna has an edge with a 2-0 record against common opponents, including a strong win against Kenai Central (39-26) and a narrow victory over Ketchikan (32-30). Juneau-Douglas has also had success against shared opponents, including a commanding win over Kenai Central (57-13), but their matchups with other teams like Wasilla and Ketchikan will provide interesting insight into how they will perform against Soldotna.
Both teams have shown they can win against tough competition, and this game will offer a glimpse into who will emerge as the dominant force in this region.
Conclusion
As the game draws near, anticipation continues to build for this highly-anticipated matchup. With both teams showcasing incredible talent and a strong competitive spirit, tonight’s game will be an exciting display of basketball. Soldotna aims to continue their solid performance, while Juneau-Douglas looks to maintain their winning ways and build momentum heading into the second half of the season.
Tune in for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown between two of Alaska’s finest basketball teams!