The Ballou (Washington, DC) varsity basketball team will be playing a home conference game against McKinley Tech (Washington, DC) on Friday, January 10, at 7:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington, DC High School Basketball
Who: McKinley Tech vs Ballou
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: McKinley Tech vs Ballou
As the 2024-2025 D.C. high school basketball season continues, two teams, McKinley Tech and Ballou, are making significant waves in their respective divisions. While McKinley Tech has emerged as a powerhouse with an impressive 10-1 record, Ballou is also showing promise with a solid 7-5 performance. Both schools are fighting hard for supremacy in a competitive landscape filled with talented athletes and passionate fanbases. Let’s dive into how both teams have performed and what stands out about their journeys so far.
McKinley Tech: Dominating the Division
With a remarkable overall record of 10-1, McKinley Tech is firmly in control of their division and boasts a strong .909 win percentage. Their league performance has been equally impressive with a 2-1 record. The team has managed to secure 6 home wins against just 1 loss and is undefeated in neutral-site games.
Scoring Average
The McKinley Tech team is led by standout player DaMontae Neclos, who averages 21.1 points per game. As a scoring machine, Neclos has been pivotal to the team’s offensive success. The team scores an average of 61.7 points per game, with a balanced scoring spread across the four quarters. The team tends to excel in the second quarter, putting up 20.0 points, before seeing a dip in the third.
Team Strengths
McKinley Tech has shown offensive prowess, with an average of 60.0 points per game. The team also excels in defense, with players like Marcus Dunbar, who contributes 8.1 rebounds per game and 2.5 assists per game, helping secure victories. Their steady defense has resulted in limiting opponents to an average of 464 points so far.
The team’s performance against common opponents has been solid, with McKinley Tech winning 4 of 5 such matchups. Notable victories include dominant wins against teams like Bell and Bard, where they clinched decisive victories, including an overwhelming 78-35 win over Bell.
Ballou: Strong Performances with Room for Improvement
Ballou has been a formidable opponent in the league, compiling a 7-5 record overall. Their 3-3 league record shows that they can compete but need to improve consistency to challenge the top teams like McKinley Tech. The Ballou team has been dominant in non-league play, going 5-0, though their league play reflects more balance with a .500 record.
Scoring Average
Ballou’s scoring patterns differ slightly from McKinley Tech’s. The team puts up 47.4 points per game, which is lower than their rivals, but they have shown resilience in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter, where they score an average of 16.5 points.
Notable Players
While Ballou does not have a player quite like Neclos, they do have contributors like Gabe Williams and Marcus Dunbar. Williams contributes 0.7 steals per game, providing some crucial defensive pressure, while Dunbar, with his solid rebounding numbers (averaging 8.1 rebounds per game), plays a key role in keeping his team competitive.
Ballou’s performance against common opponents has been impressive, finishing 4-3 in such matchups. They earned a notable victory over DC International, with a 62-54 win, but also suffered a tough loss to Cardozo. Their upcoming games will be key in deciding their postseason aspirations.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
When it comes to direct matchups, McKinley Tech and Ballou haven’t yet faced off this season. However, looking at their performance against common opponents, McKinley Tech holds a slight edge, with a 4-1 record versus 4-3 for Ballou. Both teams have faced tough opponents like Cardozo, Bell, and Phelps Architecture, but McKinley Tech’s overall consistency has given them a more formidable standing.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Potential
With both teams playing competitive basketball, McKinley Tech looks poised to continue its dominance in the coming weeks. Their balanced offensive and defensive play makes them one of the strongest teams in the D.C. area. However, Ballou still has the potential to make a run, especially with their solid non-league performance and standout players like Dunbar and Williams.
As the season progresses, fans can expect both teams to continue pushing hard for playoff spots. McKinley Tech will likely maintain its lead in the division, but Ballou could surprise with a late-season surge if they find consistency across all areas of their game. It’s shaping up to be an exciting stretch as D.C. high school basketball fans rally behind these talented teams.
