The Kirby varsity basketball team (Memphis, TN) will host Melrose (Memphis, TN) for a conference game today at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Tennessee High School Basketball
Who: Kirby vs Melrose
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Melrose vs. Kirby: A Basketball Rivalry with Contrasting Seasons

The basketball rivalry between Melrose and Kirby is heating up as the two Memphis schools face off this week. Both teams have had their ups and downs this season, with each looking to improve on their overall and league performances. Here’s a closer look at their current records, stats, and what we can expect from the upcoming games.

Team Overview: Melrose (24-25) vs. Kirby (24-25)

Melrose has struggled this season, posting a dismal 2-10 record. With a win percentage of only .167, the team has yet to find consistent success, especially on the road, where they’re 0-4. At home, however, they have a slightly better record of 2-4. Their scoring has been inconsistent, averaging just 45.2 points per game. Despite these setbacks, the team continues to battle hard each game, with standout performances in individual quarters, particularly in the third quarter where they average 21.3 points.

Kirby, on the other hand, has had a much more successful season with a 9-6 record. The team has performed admirably both at home (4-2) and on the road (1-2), showcasing their ability to compete in various environments. Kirby has an overall win percentage of .600, significantly higher than Melrose’s. Offensively, they average 66.9 points per game, and their fourth-quarter scoring stands out, with an impressive 36.7 points per game. This is a team that finishes strong and knows how to close out tight contests.

Statistical Breakdown

Scoring Averages

• Melrose:
  • Q1: 11.0
  • Q2: 11.0
  • Q3: 21.3
  • Q4: 10.7
  • Final: 45.2
• Kirby:
  • Q1: 8.7
  • Q2: 8.0
  • Q3: 12.7
  • Q4: 36.7
  • OT1: 9.0
  • Final: 66.9

Kirby’s ability to finish strong, particularly in the fourth quarter, is something to watch for in their upcoming games. Melrose, though inconsistent, has had flashes of brilliance, especially in the third quarter, where they score the bulk of their points.

Individual Players

• Melrose’s leader in scoring is Carey McClain, who has managed to put up 24.1 points per game, a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season.
• Kirby has been more balanced offensively, with a solid team effort leading to their higher points per game. Their depth may give them an edge in long, competitive games.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, but with different outcomes. Melrose has struggled to secure wins, going 0-4 against common opponents, while Kirby has had better luck, posting a 1-3 record. Some of these common opponents include teams like Southwind, Germantown, Fairley, and Ridgeway. Notably, Kirby came very close to upsetting Southwind and Germantown, losing by just a couple of points. This suggests that Kirby can compete with top-tier teams, even if the results don’t always reflect it.

Record Breakdown

Melrose:

• 2-10 Overall
• 2-4 at Home
• 0-4 Away
• 0-2 Neutral
• 0-4 vs. Common Opponents

Kirby:

• 9-6 Overall
• 4-2 at Home
• 1-2 Away
• 4-2 Neutral
• 1-3 vs. Common Opponents

Key Matchups

The upcoming game between Melrose and Kirby will take place today at Kirby’s home court at 7:30 PM. Both teams have shown resilience this season, and this game could be a pivotal moment for Melrose to get back on track or for Kirby to assert their dominance. Melrose will need to find consistency and capitalize on their scoring stretches, especially in the second half, while Kirby will look to continue their strong fourth-quarter performances and balanced offense.

In the return matchup, scheduled for January 28th, Kirby will travel to Melrose. This game will be another opportunity for Kirby to solidify their position in the standings, while Melrose will hope for a strong home-court performance.

Conclusion

The matchup between Melrose and Kirby promises to be a high-energy contest between two teams with very different records and strengths. Melrose is fighting to regain their footing in a difficult season, while Kirby is looking to build on their solid performances. The key will likely be Kirby’s ability to finish games strong and Melrose’s potential to overcome their scoring inconsistencies. Fans can expect an exciting game filled with both challenges and moments of brilliance from both squads.