The Eau Claire Memorial varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Menomonie today at 7:15 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Wisconsin High School Basketball
Who: Menomonie vs Eau Claire Memorial
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:15. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Menomonie vs Eau Claire Memorial

As the 2024-2025 Wisconsin high school basketball season unfolds, all eyes are on the rivalry between the Menomonie Mustangs and the Eau Claire Memorial Old Abes. Both teams have had their fair share of highs and lows, but their upcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter. With Menomonie sitting at a 5-6 overall record and Eau Claire Memorial boasting an impressive 8-2 record, the game is poised to be an exciting clash of styles and skill.

Team Records and Performance

Menomonie (5-6 overall, 1-4 conference) has had a challenging season so far. Despite some tough losses, including games against high-ranking teams such as Hudson and D.C. Everest, the Mustangs have shown resilience. With a balanced record at home (2-2) and on the road (3-3), Menomonie has been competitive but has yet to break through in their conference games, leaving them in need of a win to stay relevant in the standings.

On the other hand, Eau Claire Memorial has been one of the standout teams in the conference. With an 8-2 overall record and a perfect 4-0 record in conference play, the Old Abes have dominated their competition, especially at home (6-1). Their impressive win percentage of .800 and conference win percentage of 1.000 are a testament to their strong season. They have consistently scored high, with an average of 65.5 points per game, making them a formidable opponent for any team in the state.

Scoring Averages and Team Strategies

In terms of scoring, Menomonie averages 59.5 points per game, a solid number, but it’s clear that they’ll need to up their offensive output to compete with Eau Claire Memorial’s high-scoring offense. Eau Claire Memorial, averaging 65.5 points per game, has shown the ability to put up big numbers. Notably, their scoring distribution between the first and third quarters has been particularly impressive, averaging 31 points in Q1 and 47 in Q3, setting a pace that Menomonie will have to match or exceed.

Head-to-Head: What’s at Stake?

The teams will meet on January 17, 2025, at Eau Claire Memorial, with the Mustangs looking to close the gap in their conference standings. Eau Claire Memorial will be hoping to maintain their perfect conference record and add another win to their impressive season. Both teams will also meet again later in the season on February 27, 2025, in Menomonie, where the Mustangs will aim to avenge this loss and possibly turn the tide in the second half of the season.

Common Opponents: A Tale of Two Results

Looking at common opponents, there is a noticeable disparity in results between the two teams. Menomonie holds a 1-5 record against shared opponents, while Eau Claire Memorial is undefeated at 6-0. These records highlight the difference in strength between the two teams when facing similar competition. Eau Claire Memorial has managed to win every matchup against teams like River Falls, Hudson, and New Richmond, while Menomonie has faced struggles, particularly in tight contests such as their 60-44 loss to Hudson and a heartbreaking 55-54 loss to La Crosse Central.

Key Players to Watch

For Menomonie, the key will likely be their ability to execute offensively and keep pace with Eau Claire Memorial’s high-scoring game. Strong performances from their key scorers and improved defensive strategies will be critical to any chance of success.

Eau Claire Memorial will rely on their efficient offense and strong defensive play to control the tempo. Their ability to score quickly and consistently will be one of the deciding factors in this game. Players like their top scorers will need to remain effective throughout all four quarters to ensure a victory.

The Road Ahead

Both teams still have plenty of games ahead to secure their spots in the playoffs. While Eau Claire Memorial is cruising through their conference season with a spotless record, Menomonie’s path is more uncertain, needing to improve their conference play and overall record in the weeks to come. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining their fates for postseason play.

As the rivalry continues to heat up, fans of Wisconsin high school basketball will be treated to a competitive matchup when these two teams take the court. The outcome of this game could have major implications for both teams as they push towards the playoffs. Will Menomonie pull off the upset, or will Eau Claire Memorial continue their dominance? Only time will tell.