The CSTHEA (Chattanooga, TN) varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against McCallie (Chattanooga, TN) on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to Basketball know:

What: Tennessee High School Basketball
Who: McCallie vs CSTHEA
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

McCallie vs. CSTHEA: A Preview of the December 20th Basketball Showdown

The McCallie Blue Tornadoes (5-4) will travel across Chattanooga for an exciting non-conference basketball matchup against the CSTHEA Eagles (8-6) on Friday, December 20th, at 7:30 PM. With both teams eager to prove themselves this season, fans can expect a thrilling contest.

McCallie: A Strong Start

The McCallie Blue Tornadoes have had a solid start to their 2024-2025 season, with a 5-4 record. Their performance has been a mix of home and away games, holding a .556 win percentage overall. At home, McCallie is 3-3, showing they can hold their ground but still have room for improvement. Their away record is also 1-1, with a perfect 1-0 mark in neutral-site games.

One of McCallie’s strong points is their high-scoring offense, averaging 65.1 points per game. Their third-quarter performances are especially potent, where they average a massive 21 points per game. Key players like Ryan Swanson and Ivan Huffman lead the charge, with Swanson contributing 12.0 points per game and Huffman adding 5.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. These two have been the backbone of McCallie’s playstyle this season.

CSTHEA: Building Momentum

CSTHEA enters this matchup with an 8-6 overall record and a respectable .571 win percentage. Their overall performance has been solid, with a 4-2 home record, though they’ve shown some struggles on the road with a 2-2 mark. Their district play has been average with a 1-1 record, and they have a balanced offensive approach, averaging 49.4 points per game.

Though CSTHEA’s offense doesn’t boast the same explosive output as McCallie, their game is built on consistency. The Eagles have a well-rounded team with a strong defensive presence. Ivan Huffman has been key to both teams, as he plays a significant role for both McCallie and CSTHEA with 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game.

Team Comparison

• Scoring: McCallie leads with a significantly higher points-per-game average at 65.1, compared to CSTHEA’s 49.4. McCallie’s balanced offensive attack, especially in the second and third quarters, gives them a strong advantage.
• Rebounds: McCallie also dominates the boards, averaging 23.9 rebounds per game. CSTHEA averages 23.1, so this matchup should be tight in terms of control of the glass.
• Defensive Play: McCallie’s defense has been formidable, with 7.4 steals and 2.7 blocks per game, led by Ryan Swanson. CSTHEA’s defensive stats are slightly lower, with 7.4 steals per game and just 0.3 blocks per game. However, they are capable of maintaining competitive defense.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

McCallie holds a head-to-head advantage over CSTHEA, having already beaten their common opponent, Notre Dame, on December 9th, 47-38. CSTHEA, however, has yet to face Notre Dame this season. This could serve as a barometer for both teams’ strengths and strategies going into this matchup.

The Big Picture

McCallie’s high-powered offense and stout defense make them the favorites for this non-conference contest, but CSTHEA’s balanced play and home-court advantage cannot be discounted. Both teams will need to focus on controlling the tempo of the game, especially in the middle quarters, where McCallie has been most dangerous. The matchup will also be a crucial test for both teams as they look to build momentum for the remainder of their seasons.

The game tips off on December 20th at 7:30 PM at CSTHEA’s gym, promising to be an exciting contest for basketball fans in Chattanooga. Whether you’re a McCallie or CSTHEA supporter, this rivalry promises to be one you won’t want to miss