The Wasatch Academy varsity basketball team (Mt. Pleasant, UT) will play a home conference game against Legacy Early College (Greenville, SC) on Friday, December 20, at 7 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Legacy Early College vs Wasatch
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Legacy Early College vs Wasatch
The Utah high school basketball scene is buzzing with exciting matchups this season, and two teams standing out are Legacy Early College and Wasatch Academy. With their contrasting records and styles, these teams are showing distinct strengths on the court. Let’s dive into the numbers and performances that define these two teams’ seasons so far.
Team Overview
Legacy Early College has a balanced season with a 6-5 overall record, including a tough 0-3 mark in region play. The team has been dominant at home with a 5-2 record, but struggles on the road, holding a 1-0 record in neutral games. Their win percentage stands at .545, showing resilience in non-league play, but their region performance still needs improvement.
On the other hand, Wasatch Academy has been one of the most successful teams in Utah this season. With a stellar 8-1 record overall, they hold a 5-0 mark in neutral games and are solid in region play, posting a 1-1 record. Wasatch’s season has been defined by consistency, especially with a dominant 7-0 non-league record. The team’s win percentage of .889 reflects their impressive performance across all competitions.
Scoring and Statistical Averages
Both teams show strong offensive capabilities, but they have different approaches to scoring. Legacy Early College averages 64.9 points per game, with their strongest scoring quarter being the fourth, where they put up an average of 17.5 points. This demonstrates their ability to close games strong, often outscoring opponents in the final moments.
Wasatch Academy, while scoring fewer points on average (57.0 per game), shows consistency across the quarters, with no significant drop-off. Their top quarter is the first, where they score 15.5 points, allowing them to build early leads and maintain control.
When it comes to team statistics, Legacy Early College is aggressive offensively, averaging 23.9 points per game, compared to Wasatch’s 51.3. However, Wasatch excels in the rebound department, pulling down an impressive 14.9 rebounds per game, compared to Legacy’s 9.4. This difference in rebounding underscores Wasatch Academy’s control in the paint and their ability to limit opponents’ second-chance opportunities.
Individual Player Highlights
Both teams boast standout players, with Bryson Wheatfall of Legacy Early College leading his team with 15.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. His ability to contribute both offensively and on the boards makes him a critical part of the team’s success. In addition, Kwabena Jones has been a strong playmaker, averaging 3.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game.
For Wasatch Academy, Junior County stands out with 13.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. His well-rounded play has been a cornerstone of the team’s success. Katrelle Harmon also adds value with 3.6 assists per game, helping to facilitate Wasatch’s offense.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced a number of common opponents this season, with mixed results. Legacy Early College holds a 2-4 record against these teams, while Wasatch Academy has a more favorable 1-1 mark. Notably, Legacy Early College defeated Veritas Academy 80-34, while Wasatch Academy also topped Veritas 57-48. These matchups show that while both teams are competitive, Wasatch Academy has had more success against similar opponents, which can be attributed to their superior scoring and defense.
Record Breakdown
A look at the record breakdown reveals how these teams perform across different scenarios:
- Legacy Early College has struggled in region play with a 0-3 record, but their 6-2 mark in non-league games shows their ability to compete against a diverse range of teams.
- Wasatch Academy has dominated in neutral games with a perfect 5-0 record and a strong 7-0 non-league performance. Their 1-1 region record is modest, but their dominance outside of region play has made them a formidable force.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, both teams will continue to fine-tune their strategies. Legacy Early College will need to improve its performance in region play to remain competitive, while Wasatch Academy will look to maintain their strong record, especially as they enter tougher matchups in the coming weeks.
For basketball fans in Utah, these two teams are worth keeping an eye on as they look to make a strong push toward their respective goals this season. Whether it’s Legacy Early College’s aggressive play or Wasatch Academy’s consistency and strong defense, both teams have the potential to make a deep impact as the season unfolds.