The Kamiakin varsity basketball team (Kennewick, WA) will host Eastmont (East Wenatchee, WA) in a non-conference matchup today at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know Basketball:

What: Washington, High School Basketball
Who: Kamiakin vs Eastmont
When: Friday, December 06, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Early Struggles for Eastmont and Kamiakin: A Breakdown of Their 2024-2025 Seasons So Far

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, Eastmont and Kamiakin are both facing significant challenges on the court, with both teams yet to secure a victory in their opening games. As of early December, both teams are sitting at 0-2 overall, with no wins at home or on the road. Here’s a closer look at how each team is performing and what can be learned from their early season struggles.

Eastmont’s Offensive and Defensive Overview

Eastmont has been averaging 49.0 points per game (PPG) across their first two matchups. Despite a decent scoring rate, their defense has been a major concern, as they have allowed an average of 76.5 points per game (PA). The team’s scoring breakdown shows some offensive consistency, with 9.0 points in the first quarter and an impressive 15.5 points per quarter in both the second and fourth quarters. However, their third-quarter output drops to just 9.0 points, which may be a key area for improvement as the season progresses.

Key player Tyse Lewallen has been carrying the load offensively for Eastmont, averaging 9.5 PPG, along with 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game. Lewallen’s all-around performance is crucial for Eastmont, as they lack other standout players to step up consistently.

Kamiakin’s Struggles and Bright Spots

Kamiakin, similarly, is off to a rough start with a 0-2 record, mirroring Eastmont’s struggles. The team has averaged 47.0 PPG so far, which is slightly lower than Eastmont’s average, but they are conceding fewer points, allowing 56.5 PPG. Much like Eastmont, Kamiakin’s first-quarter production (11.5 points per game) is their strongest period, but they too experience a scoring dip in the third quarter (8.5 points per game). The fourth quarter is where both teams have been relatively even, with Kamiakin averaging 12.5 points in the final period.

Though the team’s offense has been stagnant, one bright spot is their leader, Cal Hunter, who, despite not recording any blocks, contributes well on the floor in scoring and defense. As of now, Kamiakin’s offensive struggles are compounded by their lack of depth in scoring, making them reliant on few players to step up.

Team Comparisons: Stat Breakdown

Looking at the team stat comparison, Eastmont leads in points per game (49.0 PPG), but Kamiakin has the upper hand in most other statistical categories. Kamiakin is averaging more rebounds per game (30.0) compared to Eastmont’s 28.0, and they also have slightly more assists (8.0 per game). However, both teams struggle with blocks, with Eastmont recording none and Kamiakin barely averaging 0.3 per game.

Eastmont’s Tyse Lewallen has been the standout performer in points, rebounds, and steals, while Kamiakin has been a bit more balanced in terms of team stats, with players contributing more collectively. Yet, the inability to convert on offense consistently has been their Achilles’ heel.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents in the early part of the season, but neither has managed to secure a win. Eastmont played against Ridgeline on November 30, suffering a heavy 80-50 loss, while Kamiakin faced Ridgeline on December 4, also losing. Both teams will meet common opponents like Hermiston and Sunnyside in the coming weeks, which could provide opportunities for improvement and eventual wins.

In their matchups with Davis, Eastmont will face the team at home on January 11, 2025, while Kamiakin has already been defeated by Davis 54-39 in an early season clash. How both teams respond to these early setbacks will be crucial in their preparation for future league play.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?

With the season still in its early stages, both Eastmont and Kamiakin have plenty of time to regroup and make adjustments. Key areas for improvement include tightening up defense, increasing consistency in scoring, and getting more balanced contributions from players beyond their star performers. Both teams will need to capitalize on matchups against similar level teams to avoid falling further behind in their respective leagues.

If Eastmont and Kamiakin can build on the individual performances of players like Lewallen and Hunter and figure out how to get their teams clicking on both ends of the court, there is still hope for a turnaround. However, if their early-season trends continue, both teams could face a tough road ahead in the competitive 2024-2025 season.