The Maryville (TN) varsity basketball team will play a neutral non-conference game against Pope John Paul II (Hendersonville, TN) today at 12:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know Basketball:

What: Tennessee High School Basketball
Who: Maryville vs Pope John Paul II
When: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 12:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Pope John Paul II vs. Maryville: A Breakdown of the 2024-2025 Basketball Season

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, two teams in Tennessee are making waves with impressive performances—Pope John Paul II (PJPII) and Maryville. With both teams facing off against common opponents, their stats and records offer a compelling preview of their strengths and potential matchups.

Overall Record and Performance

Pope John Paul II boasts a remarkable 8-1 record, placing them among the state’s elite teams. Their dominant performance extends beyond the win-loss column, with an undefeated 5-0 home record. On the road, they’ve shown resilience with a 2-1 record, and even their neutral site game (1-0) reflects their consistency.

Maryville, on the other hand, holds a 5-4 overall record. Their performance has been more mixed, with a 1-2 home record and a solid 2-0 away showing. Their neutral site play has been balanced at 2-2, indicating their adaptability across different settings.

Scoring and Offensive Power

When it comes to scoring, Pope John Paul II has the edge, averaging 71.3 points per game compared to Maryville’s 58.8. PJPII’s offensive consistency is impressive, particularly in the first and fourth quarters, where they average 24.0 and 22.0 points, respectively. In contrast, Maryville’s scoring remains more evenly distributed, but they’ve struggled to match the offensive firepower of their counterparts, especially in the first and fourth quarters.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown:

• Pope John Paul II: Q1 – 24.0, Q2 – 17.0, Q3 – 15.0, Q4 – 22.0
• Maryville: Q1 – 14.0, Q2 – 14.7, Q3 – 16.7, Q4 – 16.7

Team Statistics Comparison

Looking at key statistics, Pope John Paul II holds significant advantages across various categories:

• Points Per Game: PJPII leads with 70.4, compared to Maryville’s 61.3.
• Rebounds Per Game: PJPII outperforms Maryville, averaging 31.1 rebounds, while Maryville secures 25.0.
• Assists Per Game: PJPII also excels in playmaking, with 12.6 assists compared to Maryville’s 10.3.
• Steals and Blocks: Pope John Paul II maintains a higher defensive presence with 8.1 steals and 3.6 blocks per game, while Maryville averages 5.4 steals and 1.4 blocks.

Individual Leaders

Pope John Paul II’s standout player, Osby Cavin, leads the team with 18.9 points per game, supported by strong performances in rebounds (8.8) and assists (4.8). His all-around game has made him one of the top players in the state. Kamden Days also contributes significantly with 8.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.

Maryville’s top scorer, Brayden Hazelbaker, averages 13.9 points per game. He’s supported by Luke Sigmund, who leads the team in rebounds (7.1) and Jonathan Woodlee, who provides playmaking with 3.4 assists per game. Eli Owensby adds defensive depth with 1.3 steals per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season, offering insight into their relative strengths. Pope John Paul II has dominated these matchups, securing wins against Baylor (77-70) and Hardin Valley Academy (79-40). Maryville, meanwhile, faced Baylor later in the season and has a narrow win over Independence (59-58).

• Pope John Paul II: Baylor (W 77-70), Hardin Valley Academy (W 79-40)
• Maryville: Baylor (TBD), Independence (W 59-58)

Home and Away Performance

Pope John Paul II has proven to be formidable at home, with a perfect 5-0 record, while Maryville has struggled at home with a 1-2 mark. However, on the road, Maryville has been strong with a 2-0 record, showing they can perform under pressure outside their home gym.

Head-to-Head and Future Outlook

Although the two teams have not yet faced each other this season, their records and playstyles suggest an intriguing matchup. Pope John Paul II’s high-scoring offense and superior all-around stats give them a slight edge, but Maryville’s ability to perform in tight games, like their win over Independence, could make them a formidable opponent.

As the season progresses, both teams will need to continue building on their strengths and addressing their weaknesses. For Pope John Paul II, maintaining their offensive efficiency and defensive pressure will be key to further success. Maryville will look to capitalize on their defensive abilities and improve their consistency on the offensive end.

In conclusion, Pope John Paul II currently holds the upper hand in several key areas, but Maryville’s resilience and competitive spirit make them a team to watch as the season unfolds. Their clash, when it happens, is sure to be a highly anticipated matchup in Tennessee high school basketball.