The Lafayette (LA) varsity basketball team will play a home non-conference game against Northside (Lafayette, LA) today at 6 p.m.

Lafayette vs Northside Game Info:

What: Louisiana High School Basketball
Who: Lafayette (LA) vs Northside (LA)
When: Friday, January 3, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Lafayette vs Northside

The 2024-25 basketball season has been an exciting one for both Northside and Lafayette high schools. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, compiling impressive records as they head into the second half of their campaigns. A deeper look into their performances reveals key differences and similarities that make this rivalry especially intriguing. Here’s an analysis based on various statistics, including overall records, home/away performance, scoring averages, and results against common opponents.

Team Records and Rankings

Northside:

• Overall Record: 13-3
• Home Record: 7-0
• Away Record: 2-2
• Neutral Record: 4-1
• Win Percentage: 81.2%
• Points Scored (PF): 1,011
• Points Allowed (PA): 727

Northside has been one of the standout teams this season. With a strong home record of 7-0 and a solid win percentage of 81.2%, they’ve shown dominance, particularly on their home court. Their overall scoring of 1,011 points so far also speaks to their offensive strength, although their defense, with 727 points allowed, indicates room for improvement.

Lafayette:

• Overall Record: 10-2
• Home Record: 3-1
• Away Record: 2-1
• Neutral Record: 5-0
• Win Percentage: 83.3%
• Points Scored (PF): 688
• Points Allowed (PA): 521

Lafayette has also had a remarkable season, maintaining a win percentage of 83.3%. Their strength on neutral courts (5-0) is notable, and they’ve proven to be a competitive force with their solid defense, allowing only 521 points across their 12 games. However, their offensive output is slightly lower than Northside’s, having scored 688 points, but this has been complemented by their strong defensive play.

Scoring Averages

Both teams have distinct scoring patterns that highlight their different playing styles.

Northside:

• Q1: 18.3
• Q2: 16.0
• Q3: 17.3
• Q4: 17.3
• Final Average: 63.2 points per game

Northside has shown a consistent offensive output throughout the game, with their highest scoring quarter being the first (18.3 points). Their ability to score consistently in all four quarters reflects their well-rounded offensive capabilities.

Lafayette:

• Q1: 8.5
• Q2: 17.5
• Q3: 16.0
• Q4: 15.5
• Final Average: 57.3 points per game

Lafayette starts slower, with only 8.5 points in the first quarter. However, they ramp up their scoring as the game progresses, particularly in the second quarter, where they average 17.5 points. This suggests that Lafayette excels at adjusting and adapting to their opponents’ strategies as the game unfolds.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a number of similar opponents this season, providing valuable insight into how they measure up against each other. Northside holds a 4-1 record against common opponents, while Lafayette has a 3-2 record.

Here are a few highlights from their shared games:

• Northside defeated Breaux Bridge 65-45 on 11/22/24, while Lafayette will host Breaux Bridge on 1/10/25.
• Both teams triumphed over St. Martinville, with Northside winning 67-33 on 12/21/24, and Lafayette winning 65-49 on 12/20/24.
• Carencro was a close game for Northside, losing 50-49 on 12/23/24. Lafayette will play Carencro on 2/7/25.
• Northside beat A.J. Ellender 71-39 on 12/19/24, while Lafayette lost to A.J. Ellender 56-50 on 12/27/24.

These matchups give a glimpse into how both teams perform against common competition. Northside’s record in these games suggests they’ve been slightly more dominant, but Lafayette’s strong showings against tough teams reflect their potential.

Playoff Outlook

As both teams continue their respective seasons, they will face different challenges. Northside’s excellent home record and balanced offense make them a formidable contender, especially if they can improve their away performance. Lafayette’s ability to adapt and perform on neutral courts adds an interesting layer to their playoff aspirations, and their solid defense will be crucial in the postseason.

In conclusion, both Northside and Lafayette are high-performing teams with different strengths and strategies. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how their contrasting styles evolve, and whether one can emerge as the top team in the state.