The Murray (UT) varsity basketball team will face Layton (UT) in a neutral-site, non-conference game on Friday, December 27, at 11:30 a.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Layton vs Murray
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Layton vs Murray
As the 2024-25 high school basketball season progresses, Utah teams Layton and Murray present intriguing narratives. Layton sits comfortably near the top of the rankings, boasting a dominant 7-1 record, while Murray’s 5-4 performance reflects their struggles to find consistency. Here’s a deeper dive into their stats, records, and key performances this season.
Team Rankings & Records
Layton holds a commanding position in Utah basketball, ranked 15th in the state and 6th in their class. Their near-flawless 7-1 record highlights their dominance both at home (3-0) and on the road (4-1), showcasing a remarkable .875 win percentage.
Murray, on the other hand, is ranked 42nd in Utah and 14th in their class. With a 5-4 overall record and a 1-2 performance in their region, the team struggles to maintain momentum. Their .556 win percentage, along with a disappointing .333 region win percentage, suggests areas needing improvement.
Scoring and Quarter-by-Quarter Trends
Layton outpaces Murray in scoring averages across all quarters:
| Quarter | Layton (Avg. Pts) | Murray (Avg. Pts) |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 21.0 | 11.7 |
| Q2 | 19.0 | 14.3 |
| Q3 | 18.8 | 16.6 |
| Q4 | 15.7 | 15.0 |
| Final | 75.8 | 59.1 |
Layton’s early scoring bursts, particularly in the first quarter, set the tone for their games. In contrast, Murray typically finds their rhythm later in the game, with their highest average coming in the third quarter.
Statistical Comparison
Layton’s team performance eclipses Murray’s in several key areas:
| Statistic | Layton | Murray |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 81.2 | 59.1 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 31.6 | 28.8 |
| Assists Per Game | 21.8 | 14.8 |
| Steals Per Game | 9.8 | 8.9 |
| Blocks Per Game | 4.4 | 3.8 |
The disparities are most notable in scoring and assists, where Layton’s offensive cohesion and playmaking significantly outperform Murray’s.
Individual Standouts
Layton’s success is fueled by standout performances, particularly from #3 Sam Romer, who averages an impressive 19.4 points per game. Supporting him are #33 Joshua Checketts (6.0 rebounds per game) and #1 Karter Miller (6.8 assists per game), showcasing a balanced attack on offense and defense.
For Murray, #2 Damani Wilkerson leads with 16.2 points per game, while #15 Ethan Davies pulls down 6.9 rebounds per game. Despite these individual efforts, the team struggles to match Layton’s depth and balance.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced Taylorsville and Cottonwood this season, with mixed results. Layton dominated Taylorsville (88-43) and has yet to face Cottonwood. Murray, meanwhile, secured a 68-58 win over Taylorsville but fell short against Cottonwood (56-55), highlighting their inconsistency.
Conclusion
Layton’s strong performance this season reflects a team firing on all cylinders, with impressive scoring, teamwork, and leadership. Murray shows flashes of potential but struggles to sustain their efforts across games. As both teams progress, their ability to adapt and execute will determine their postseason prospects.
Fans of Utah high school basketball should keep an eye on these two teams as they navigate the remainder of the season. Layton looks poised for a deep playoff run, while Murray will aim to solidify their position and capitalize on their talent.
