The Mandaree (ND) varsity basketball team will host a home conference game against Central McLean (Turtle Lake-Mercer/Underwood/McClusky) today, January 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Game Details:
- Teams: Central McLean (CO-OP) vs. Mandaree
- Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch Here
- Live stream: Watch Here
Basketball Season Review: CML (CO-OP) vs. Mandaree – A Tale of Two Teams
As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season unfolds, the contrasts between Central McLean (CO-OP) and Mandaree are striking, particularly in terms of their overall records and performances on the court. While both teams have battled hard, their outcomes tell very different stories in terms of victories, losses, and scoring trends.
CML (CO-OP): A Strong Season So Far
Central McLean (CO-OP), a combined team from Turtle Lake-Mercer, Underwood, and McClusky, has had a stellar start to their season. With a 8-2 overall record, they are dominating both at home and on the road. Their perfect 2-0 record in district play reflects the strong teamwork and commitment they have shown on the court.
Their performance across all games is impressive, with a solid scoring average of 68.3 points per game. This offensive power has been bolstered by their ability to control the game in various situations—winning 4 of their 4 away games and splitting their neutral-site contests at 2-2. Their defense, allowing 489 points across the season, also plays a pivotal role in keeping them competitive.
The CML (CO-OP) team has made its mark in non-league matchups as well, standing at a 5-2 record outside of district competition. Their season victories have included notable wins such as a 72-47 win against White Shield and a 58-56 nail-biter against Washburn, both demonstrating their resilience under pressure.
Mandaree: A Challenging Season
On the other hand, Mandaree’s season has been difficult. With a record of 0-11 overall and 0-5 in district play, their struggles are evident. Their scoring average of 31.1 points per game reflects the tough battles they’ve faced in both their district and non-district matchups. Despite their efforts, Mandaree has not managed to secure a victory in any of their district games and has faced considerable challenges across the board, including heavy losses to teams like Washburn (78-26) and New Salem (82-26).
Mandaree’s defense has allowed 851 points, a clear indicator of their ongoing struggles to keep up with more powerful teams. Even in their home games, where they are supposed to have an advantage, they’ve struggled with a 0-5 record.
Common Opponents: A Tale of Two Approaches
Looking at their common opponents highlights the disparity in performance between the two teams. Central McLean (CO-OP) has managed to secure victories against teams like White Shield, Washburn, and New Salem, holding a 2-0 record against common opponents so far. Mandaree, however, has faced a tougher road, losing all six of their games against the same teams.
The results against these common opponents emphasize the difference in competitive levels: CML (CO-OP) has shown consistency and skill, while Mandaree has been outmatched throughout the season. For instance, while Central McLean (CO-OP) triumphed in a close 58-56 win over Washburn, Mandaree fell by a significant margin in both their contests against Washburn and other rivals.
Looking Ahead: Hope for Improvement
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, both teams will need to dig deep to finish strong. Central McLean (CO-OP) will likely look to continue their dominance and secure a high seed for district playoffs, while Mandaree, despite their record, will aim to improve their gameplay, potentially snagging a win or two before the season concludes.
While the records may tell different stories, both teams have shown the determination to play through adversity. For Central McLean (CO-OP), this season could mark the beginning of a more consistent era of success, while Mandaree’s resilience will hopefully lead to better results in the future.
Record Breakdown at a Glance
CML (CO-OP):
- Overall: 8-2
- District: 2-0
- Home: 2-0
- Away: 4-0
- Neutral: 2-2
- Points Scored: 683
- Points Allowed: 489
- Scoring Average: 68.3 PPG
Mandaree:
- Overall: 0-11
- District: 0-5
- Home: 0-5
- Away: 0-6
- Neutral: 0-0
- Points Scored: 342
- Points Allowed: 851
- Scoring Average: 31.1 PPG
In summary, the 2024-2025 basketball season so far presents a clear contrast between CML (CO-OP)’s impressive, well-rounded performance and Mandaree’s ongoing challenges. Both teams have much to learn from this season, and it will be interesting to see how they progress as the season nears its conclusion.
