The Northside varsity basketball team (Roanoke, VA) will be playing a home conference game against Lord Botetourt (Daleville, VA) today at 7 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Lord Botetourt vs Northside
When: Friday, January 24, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Lord Botetourt vs Northside
As the Virginia high school basketball season unfolds, the Lord Botetourt Cavaliers and Northside Vikings stand out with contrasting performances heading into their highly anticipated conference games. The upcoming contests—one today at Northside and another at Lord Botetourt on February 7—are expected to be pivotal for both teams.
Lord Botetourt Cavaliers: Striving for Consistency
Lord Botetourt, based in Daleville, Virginia, has faced a challenging season so far. With a 5-8 overall record, the Cavaliers have struggled to gain momentum, particularly on the road, where they hold a 1-5 record. However, they have shown resilience in their home games, where they are 4-3. Their region performance is more balanced at 1-1, but the team has yet to find consistency.
Lord Botetourt’s scoring averages reflect their need for improvement in offense. The Cavaliers typically score 19 points in the first quarter, 18 in the second, and 21 in the third, but their scoring drops in the fourth to just 14 points per game, resulting in an overall average of 59.4 points. The Cavaliers’ close games indicate that they are competitive but often struggle to close out matches.
Northside Vikings: Dominating the Competition
In stark contrast, Northside, located in Roanoke, Virginia, has been nothing short of dominant. With an impressive 13-1 overall record, including a perfect 7-0 mark at home and 6-1 on the road, the Vikings are in prime form. They have been nearly unbeatable in the region, boasting a 3-0 record and an exceptional 1.000 region win percentage. Northside’s offense has been one of the most potent in the state, averaging 75.2 points per game—far exceeding Lord Botetourt’s 59.4.
The Vikings’ scoring breakdown is a testament to their offensive depth, as they’ve been able to maintain a high scoring output throughout the game. Northside will be looking to extend its remarkable run and prove their dominance in the conference when they face Lord Botetourt today.
Head-to-Head: A Glimpse Into the Future
The rivalry between these two schools takes center stage as their games begin today at Northside at 7 p.m., with another showdown at Lord Botetourt scheduled for February 7. Historically, Northside has been the stronger team, and their head-to-head record against Lord Botetourt is a telling indicator. Northside has been able to beat common opponents with impressive ease, while Lord Botetourt has faced more struggles.
For example, in games against teams like Salem and Hidden Valley, Northside secured victories, while Lord Botetourt lost. Notably, Northside beat Franklin County, Staunton River, and William Byrd in dominant fashion, whereas Lord Botetourt has often struggled to close games, earning only a 1-4 record against common opponents.
Common Opponents: The Tale of Two Teams
Both teams share several common opponents this season, offering an interesting lens through which to compare their performances. Against opponents like Salem, Hidden Valley, and Franklin County, Northside has secured victories in nearly every encounter, demonstrating their superior play on both sides of the ball. In contrast, Lord Botetourt has experienced several losses, including a tough 79-65 defeat to Salem and a close 56-48 loss to Hidden Valley.
While Lord Botetourt has been competitive, their record against these common opponents (1-4) reveals that they have yet to match up well against top-tier competition. On the other hand, Northside has been near perfect, winning 8 out of 8 games against the same teams.
Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake?
As both teams gear up for their upcoming games, Northside’s undefeated regional record and potent offense make them the favorite. However, Lord Botetourt’s home advantage and their determination to turn their season around will make the February 7 matchup one to watch.
With playoff positioning on the line, these games could have a significant impact on both teams’ postseason aspirations. Northside will look to continue their dominance and solidify their place as one of the top teams in the region, while Lord Botetourt will be hungry for an upset to kickstart a late-season run.
For basketball fans in Virginia, these games are sure to provide plenty of action as two teams with vastly different records and trajectories face off in what promises to be an exciting rivalry.
