The Mercersburg Academy varsity basketball team (Mercersburg, PA) will host a non-conference game against Episcopal (Alexandria, VA) on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Prep Schools High School Basketball
Who: Mercersburg Academy vs Episcopal
When: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Time: 5:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Episcopal vs. Mercersburg Academy: A Comparison of Basketball Performance in the 2024-2025 Season

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, the teams from Episcopal and Mercersburg Academy have demonstrated their competitive spirits on the court. Both teams, based in Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, have a mix of promising results and areas for growth. In this article, we’ll break down their performance in terms of rankings, scoring averages, team stats, and head-to-head comparison.

Season Overview

Episcopal (VA) Record (24-25 Season)

• Overall: 5-3
• Region: 0-1
• Home Record: 1-0
• Away Record: 2-1
• Neutral Record: 2-2
• Win %: .625
• Region %: .000
• Points Scored (PF): 483
• Points Allowed (PA): 432

Episcopal has had a solid season so far with a 5-3 overall record. Their performance has been especially strong in away games, where they have managed a 2-1 record. However, they will need to improve in regional competition, as evidenced by their 0-1 record in league play.

Mercersburg Academy (PA) Record (24-25 Season)

• Overall: 4-2
• Home Record: 2-2
• Away Record: 1-0
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Win %: .667
• Points Scored (PF): 436
• Points Allowed (PA): 379

Mercersburg Academy has posted an impressive 4-2 record, maintaining a higher win percentage than Episcopal at .667. The team has been particularly dominant in neutral-site games, where they boast a perfect 1-0 record. They will look to carry this momentum forward, especially with a strong start to their season.

Scoring Averages

Looking at team scoring averages per quarter, it’s clear that both teams have different scoring patterns.

Episcopal:

• Q1: 15.2
• Q2: 11.2
• Q3: 13.2
• Q4: 15.0
• OT: 13.0
• Final: 60.4

Episcopal maintains a balanced scoring approach, with their highest output in the first and fourth quarters. They average 60.4 points per game, and their scoring distribution suggests that they are consistent in keeping up the offensive pressure, especially in the opening and closing stages of games.

Mercersburg Academy:

• Q1: 30.0
• Q2: 22.0
• Q3: 19.0
• Q4: 9.0
• OT: –
• Final: 72.7

Mercersburg Academy has a high-octane offense in the first half of games, averaging 52.0 points in the first two quarters alone. However, they tend to slow down in the final quarter, with only 9.0 points on average in the fourth. Despite this, their overall average of 72.7 points per game is impressive and suggests a potent attack early in games.

Team Stat Comparison

Episcopal:

• Points Per Game: 52.6
• Rebounds Per Game: 29.5
• Assists Per Game: 8.0
• Steals Per Game: 6.6
• Blocks Per Game: 5.5

Episcopal focuses on defense, evident from their strong numbers in steals and blocks. Their average of 6.6 steals per game indicates an aggressive defensive strategy that disrupts opponents’ offensive flow.

Mercersburg Academy: Mercersburg does not have specific team statistics available, but their offensive strength is demonstrated in their high scoring average (72.7 points per game). This points to a team focused on fast-paced, high-scoring basketball.

Team Leaders

Episcopal:

• Ben Edmonds: 15.1 Points Per Game, 3.1 Assists, 2.9 Steals
• Simas Kacerauskas: 11.7 Rebounds Per Game, 2.6 Blocks Per Game

Ben Edmonds is Episcopal’s standout player, leading the team in scoring, assists, and steals. His all-around performance has been essential to the team’s success this season. Simas Kacerauskas has been impressive on the boards and as a shot blocker, providing strong support in the paint.

Mercersburg Academy:
No specific leader stats are provided for Mercersburg, but the team’s overall success likely hinges on contributions from key players across various categories, with a focus on their offensive firepower.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Looking at a common opponent — Saint James, we can see how both teams have performed:

• Episcopal vs. Saint James: No recorded result yet.
• Mercersburg Academy vs. Saint James: Mercersburg won 63-53 on December 11, 2024.

While Episcopal has yet to play against Saint James this season, Mercersburg has already achieved a win, which gives them a slight edge in this comparison.

Record Breakdown

Episcopal:

• 5-3 Overall
• 1-0 Home
• 2-1 Away
• 2-2 Neutral
• 0-1 League

Mercersburg Academy:

• 4-2 Overall
• 2-2 Home
• 1-0 Away
• 1-0 Neutral
• 0-0 League

Both teams have strong performances away from home, but Episcopal’s better record in neutral games could indicate their adaptability in diverse settings.

Conclusion

Both Episcopal and Mercersburg Academy have shown strong basketball capabilities this season, with impressive offensive and defensive metrics. Episcopal relies on solid defensive play and consistent scoring, while Mercersburg excels at offensive firepower, particularly early in games. As their season progresses, both teams will look to refine their weaknesses, especially in their respective regional games, to push for higher rankings and potentially stronger playoff performances.