As the basketball season heats up, the Northgate (Newnan, GA) varsity team is gearing up for an important away conference game against Langston Hughes (Fairburn, GA) on Friday, December 13, at 6:00 PM. Both teams have had a promising start to the 2024-2025 season, and this game will be pivotal in shaping their respective league standings.

Northgate at a Glance

The Northgate Lady Vikings come into the game with a solid overall record of 3-2, including a 2-1 record in their region. Their offense has been effective, averaging 48.0 points per game, but they’ve allowed 247 points, resulting in a narrow point differential of -4.7. Despite this, Northgate’s team has shown resilience, especially with standout player Deasia Stinson, who leads the team with 20.0 points per game and contributes heavily in rebounds (9.6 RPG) and steals (6.6 SPG).

Northgate’s scoring has been relatively balanced across quarters, averaging 10.4 points in the first quarter, 9.4 in the second, 15.0 in the third, and 11.2 in the fourth. Their performances have been strong at home, where they’ve posted a 3-1 record, but they have struggled on the road, with a 0-1 away record.

Langston Hughes’ Strong Start

On the other hand, Langston Hughes has been dominant this season with an undefeated record of 5-0, including a perfect 1-0 in their region. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, with an impressive 66.2 points per game, significantly outpacing Northgate’s scoring average. Langston Hughes has been particularly strong in the second and third quarters, averaging 19.0 and 25.0 points, respectively, as well as in the fourth with 22.0 points per game.

Langston Hughes’ top player, Cornelia Ellington, has been outstanding, averaging 20.0 points per game, while Jocelyn Faison has been a force on the boards, leading the team in rebounds (9.8 RPG) and steals (3.4 SPG). The team’s ability to control the game in all phases—scoring, rebounding, and defense—has been a hallmark of their early success.

Head-to-Head Comparison

The matchup between these two teams looks to be a clash of styles. Northgate’s defense, led by Stinson’s disruptive play, will be tested against Langston Hughes’ high-powered offense. Langston Hughes’ high-scoring offense, with multiple players capable of contributing at a high level, will look to overpower Northgate’s defense.

Team Stat Comparison

• Points Per Game: Northgate (48.0) vs. Langston Hughes (66.2)
• Rebounds Per Game: Northgate (43.2) vs. Langston Hughes (32.2)
• Assists Per Game: Northgate (9.8) vs. Langston Hughes (12.4)
• Steals Per Game: Northgate (17.2) vs. Langston Hughes (11.8)
• Blocks Per Game: Northgate (1.4) vs. Langston Hughes (2.4)

Key Players to Watch

• Northgate: Deasia Stinson (20.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 6.6 SPG)
• Langston Hughes: Cornelia Ellington (20.0 PPG), Jocelyn Faison (9.8 RPG, 3.4 SPG)

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a few common opponents this season, including McIntosh, Banneker, and Lovejoy. Northgate has a 2-1 record against common opponents, with wins over McIntosh (53-47) and Banneker (56-53), while Langston Hughes has a perfect 1-0 record, with a dominant 80-49 win over Morrow. This suggests that Langston Hughes may have the edge in terms of overall consistency against similar competition.

Record Breakdown

• Northgate: 3-2 overall, 2-1 in the region, 3-1 at home, 0-1 away
• Langston Hughes: 5-0 overall, 1-0 in the region, 1-0 at home, 2-0 away, 2-0 neutral

Looking Ahead

This matchup will set the stage for what could be an intense conference race. Northgate will need to harness its defensive strength and execute a disciplined game plan to compete with Langston Hughes’ potent offense. On the other hand, Langston Hughes will look to extend its perfect record and prove they are the team to beat in the region.

The game on December 13 at Langston Hughes promises to be an exciting and crucial contest for both teams. With Northgate looking to build momentum and Langston Hughes aiming to stay perfect, fans can expect a high-energy showdown that could have significant implications for the rest of the season.