The Syracuse (UT) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Layton (UT) on Friday, January 31, at 7 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Layton vs Syracuse
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Layton vs Syracuse
The rivalry between Layton and Syracuse high schools in Utah basketball has been heating up this season, with Layton holding a solid edge in the head-to-head matchups and overall performance.
Layton: A Dominant Force
With an impressive 15-3 record, Layton High School is currently a powerhouse in Utah high school basketball. Their perfect 5-0 record in region play speaks to their dominance within their competitive region. Overall, the team has shown exceptional consistency, both at home (7-0) and away (6-2). On average, Layton scores 74 points per game, outpacing their opponents by a solid margin.
Key to their success is the stellar performance of Karter Miller, who leads the team in scoring (16.3 PPG), rebounds (6.4 RPG), assists (6.4 APG), and steals (3.2 SPG). Miller’s all-around contribution has made him one of the top players to watch in Utah this season. The team’s defense has been strong too, holding opponents to just 1,031 points across 18 games, averaging 57.4 points allowed per game.
Syracuse: A Team with Potential
Syracuse, with a 9-9 overall record, has had a more inconsistent season. Their 2-3 region record indicates they have faced challenges within their own competitive conference. The team’s scoring average of 65.2 points per game is respectable, but they’ve struggled to keep pace with some of the top teams, especially on defense, allowing 1,109 points across 18 games.
Syracuse’s standout player is Skyler Orton, who leads the team in scoring (15.6 PPG) and also contributes with 2.3 steals per game. However, despite his individual brilliance, the team has yet to find the same consistency that Layton has shown.
Recent Head-to-Head: Layton Dominates
The most recent matchup between these two teams took place on January 10th, where Layton won by a commanding 76-66 scoreline. Layton outscored Syracuse in every quarter except the third, where Syracuse posted a strong 25 points. However, Layton’s balanced offense and solid fourth-quarter performance sealed the victory. The team’s ability to consistently score, especially in the final periods, made the difference in this contest.
Team Comparison: Statistical Breakdown
Let’s take a deeper look at how these teams stack up against each other statistically:
| Stat | Layton | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 74.0 | 65.2 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 30.9 | 24.8 |
| Assists Per Game | 20.2 | 14.9 |
| Steals Per Game | 9.8 | 7.3 |
| Blocks Per Game | 3.9 | 2.1 |
As seen above, Layton outperforms Syracuse in nearly every category, especially in scoring, rebounding, and assists. Layton’s superior depth and team play are apparent, with multiple players contributing to their success across different areas of the game.
Common Opponents: The Contrast in Results
Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, but their results tell a different story. Layton holds a 7-2 record against common opponents, while Syracuse has managed just a 3-6 record. Notable wins for Layton include victories over strong teams like Copper Hills, Davis, and Farmington, while Syracuse has struggled against teams of similar caliber, including losses to Copper Hills and Davis.
Upcoming Matchup: Can Syracuse Turn the Tide?
The two teams are set to meet again on January 31st at Syracuse High School. This game promises to be a critical one for Syracuse as they look to bounce back from their earlier loss to Layton and make a push for a stronger finish to the season. With the right adjustments and a big performance from players like Orton, Syracuse may be able to close the gap. However, Layton’s depth and overall consistency make them the favorites heading into the contest.
Conclusion
Layton has clearly established itself as one of the top teams in Utah high school basketball this season. With a 15-3 record and strong all-around play, they will continue to be a formidable opponent in the region. On the other hand, Syracuse still has room for improvement, but with players like Skyler Orton leading the charge, they could be poised for an upset. The upcoming January 31st matchup will be crucial for both teams as they look to solidify their standing in the region and keep pushing towards the postseason.
