The McDowell varsity basketball team from Erie, PA, is set to host a non-conference game against Pine-Richland from Gibsonia, PA, today at 2:30 PM.
Game Details:
- Teams: Pine-Richland vs. McDowell
- Date & Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2:30 PM
- Location: McDowell High School (Erie, PA)
- Live stream: Watch Here
A Tale of Two Teams: Pine-Richland vs. McDowell 2024-25 Basketball Season Overview
As the 2024-25 basketball season unfolds, Pine-Richland and McDowell have carved out distinct identities in Pennsylvania high school basketball. Both teams have demonstrated grit and determination, yet their paths and performances diverge significantly when comparing their records, rankings, and stats.
Rankings & Records
Pine-Richland
- State Rank: 192
- Class Rank: 58
- Overall Record: 5-6
- Conference Record: 3-4
- Home Record: 2-3
- Away Record: 1-3
- Neutral Record: 2-0
- Win Percentage: .455
- Points For (PF): 594
- Points Against (PA): 608
Pine-Richland’s season has been a rollercoaster. With a near-equal balance of points scored and allowed, the team has struggled to gain consistency. A .429 conference win percentage highlights the challenges of competing in a tough division.
McDowell
- State Rank: 25
- Class Rank: 13
- Overall Record: 13-2
- Conference Record: 5-0
- Home Record: 5-1
- Away Record: 4-0
- Neutral Record: 4-1
- Win Percentage: .867
- Points For (PF): 991
- Points Against (PA): 576
In stark contrast, McDowell has emerged as a dominant force, with an impressive .867 win percentage and an unbeaten 5-0 record in conference play. Their offense has been prolific, outscoring opponents by an average margin of over 31 points per game.
Scoring Averages
The teams’ scoring patterns reveal further differences.
Pine-Richland:
- First Quarter: 12.0
- Second Quarter: 8.5
- Third Quarter: 12.0
- Fourth Quarter: 14.5
- Final Average: 54.0
Pine-Richland shows resilience late in games, scoring their highest averages in the fourth quarter. However, slow starts and inconsistent second quarters often leave them playing catch-up.
McDowell:
- First Quarter: 17.8
- Second Quarter: 16.0
- Third Quarter: 16.3
- Fourth Quarter: 13.0
- Overtime: 13.0 (OT1), 11.0 (OT2), 12.0 (OT3)
- Final Average: 66.1
McDowell’s balanced scoring across all periods is a testament to their depth and efficiency. Their ability to maintain momentum and capitalize in crucial moments makes them a tough team to beat.
Common Opponent
Both teams faced Taylor Allderdice this season, but the outcomes highlight their differing trajectories.
- Pine-Richland: Lost 55-47 on December 18, 2024.
- McDowell: Won 77-56 on January 11, 2025.
McDowell’s dominant victory against the same opponent underscores their superiority, while Pine-Richland’s narrow loss illustrates their potential but lack of execution.
Record Breakdown
A closer look at their season performances:
| Category | Pine-Richland | McDowell |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 5-6 | 13-2 |
| Conference | 3-4 | 5-0 |
| Non-League | 2-2 | 3-0 |
| Home | 2-3 | 5-1 |
| Away | 1-3 | 4-0 |
| Neutral | 2-0 | 4-1 |
| Playoff | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| In-State | 5-6 | 10-1 |
| Out-of-State | 0-0 | 3-1 |
McDowell’s clean slate in conference play and solid performance across all settings contrast sharply with Pine-Richland’s struggles to find their footing.
Outlook
Pine-Richland has shown flashes of potential, particularly in neutral site games where they remain unbeaten. However, inconsistency and a challenging conference schedule have tempered their success. If they can capitalize on their late-game scoring ability, they may surprise in future matchups.
McDowell, on the other hand, looks primed for a deep postseason run. With a high-powered offense and undefeated conference record, they are a formidable opponent capable of overcoming any challenge.
As the season progresses, both teams will aim to solidify their legacies. Pine-Richland hopes to turn their potential into results, while McDowell seeks to maintain their dominance and contend for a championship.
