The Laney (Wilmington, NC) varsity basketball team will host New Hanover (Wilmington, NC) for a home conference game on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Matchup Details:
- Teams: New Hanover vs Laney
- Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch Here
- Live stream: Watch Here
New Hanover vs. Laney: A Season of Dominance and Rivalry
As the high school basketball season progresses, two Wilmington, North Carolina teams have risen to prominence in the 2024-2025 campaign: New Hanover and Laney. Both teams have made their mark on the court with impressive performances, but the rivalry between these two schools has truly captivated local basketball fans. Let’s break down how these teams have performed so far this season, their head-to-head matchups, and what to expect from the upcoming contest.
New Hanover Wildcats: A Force to Be Reckoned With
New Hanover has been a powerhouse this season, boasting an overall record of 18-2, with an impeccable 11-0 record in the conference. Their dominant performance is reflected not only in their undefeated conference record but also in their overall win percentage of .900. At home, they are a near-perfect 7-1, with a solid 7-1 record on the road and a 4-0 record in neutral-site games.
The Wildcats’ offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging an impressive 77.4 points per game, with the scoring spread out throughout the game—particularly during the first quarter (25.7 points). Defensively, they have allowed 1,016 points across the season, holding their opponents to an average of 50.8 points per game. This high level of offensive output and defensive efficiency has made them one of the most formidable teams in their region.
Key players for New Hanover include Rodmik Allen, who leads the team with 17.3 points per game. Allen has been a consistent force for the Wildcats, contributing across multiple statistical categories. Other standout players include Nolan Billings, who contributes 5.6 rebounds per game, and Rodmik Allen, who also leads the team with 5.2 assists per game and 3.2 steals per game.
Laney Buccaneers: Resilient But Inconsistent
Laney, with a 13-6 overall record and an 8-3 conference record, has had a solid season, but their path has been a bit more rocky compared to New Hanover’s. While Laney has performed well at home (6-1), they have had some struggles on the road with a 5-3 record and a 2-2 record in neutral-site games. Their win percentage stands at .684, and they have shown promise but need to find consistency across all facets of their game.
The Buccaneers average 61.9 points per game, significantly lower than New Hanover’s offensive production. The scoring is more evenly distributed over the quarters, with their strongest showing in the second (16.9 points). Defensively, Laney has allowed 946 points, giving up an average of 52.6 points per game.
Leading the charge for Laney is Dylan Fortun, who scores 11.6 points per game. Other contributors include Jordan Mosley (4.8 rebounds per game) and Trenton Hall (2.3 steals per game), as well as Colin Lamb, who averages 3.4 assists per game.
Head-to-Head: New Hanover Dominates
The most recent meeting between these two teams occurred on January 3, 2025, and New Hanover emerged victorious with a dominant 63-49 win. Laney struggled to keep up, especially in the first quarter, where they only scored 6 points compared to New Hanover’s 13. As the game progressed, New Hanover’s offense proved to be too much for the Buccaneers to handle, with the Wildcats’ balanced attack and defensive pressure securing the win.
Looking ahead, the two teams will face off again on February 7, 2025, with New Hanover traveling to Laney for a highly anticipated rematch. With the Wildcats riding high off their earlier victory, the Buccaneers will look to make adjustments and challenge their cross-town rivals on their home court.
Common Opponents: A Look at the Comparison
Both teams have faced several common opponents throughout the season, providing insight into their relative strengths. New Hanover has remained unbeaten against common foes, including dominant wins over teams like South Brunswick, Ashley, and Topsail. Meanwhile, Laney, while still having a solid record against many of the same teams, has dropped a few key games.
For example, Laney faced Swansboro and fell 68-48, a stark contrast to New Hanover’s 76-66 win over the same team. However, both teams have continued to shine in other matchups, with Laney securing wins over Ashley and North Brunswick, while New Hanover cruised past those same teams with considerable margins.
What’s Next?
As the season moves toward its conclusion, New Hanover and Laney will each be looking to build on their successes and address their weaknesses. For New Hanover, maintaining their dominance and improving their already-stellar offensive and defensive play will be key to continuing their winning streak. For Laney, finding ways to increase their offensive output and ensure defensive consistency will be critical as they prepare to face tougher competition.
The February 7 rematch between New Hanover and Laney promises to be another thrilling chapter in this intense rivalry, with both teams aiming for supremacy in Wilmington high school basketball.
