As the Virginia high school basketball season unfolds, two teams—Miller School of Albemarle and Hargrave Military Academy—are drawing attention for their contrasting performances and styles of play. Both teams have demonstrated resilience, but their records and statistical breakdowns tell different stories.

Miller School of Albemarle: Struggling to Find Momentum

The Miller School of Albemarle’s boys’ basketball team is currently facing a tough season with a 2-5 overall record. Despite showing potential early on, the team has struggled to gain traction, especially in regional play, where they remain winless with a 0-1 record. The team’s scoring average is 61.7 points per game, with a solid performance in the first two quarters of their games (25 points each in Q1 and Q2), but they tend to falter in the latter stages, averaging just 18 points in the third and 18 in the fourth quarter.

Key players for Miller School include Ryan Crotty, who leads the team with 15 points per game, and Anthony Saunders, who dishes out 4 assists per game. However, their scoring averages and overall stats reflect the team’s inconsistency. The team’s performance in other statistics, such as rebounds (5.9 per game) and steals (2.3 per game), are areas where they need to improve in order to secure more wins.

Their record against common opponents is 2-0, showcasing their ability to capitalize on matchups with teams such as Harrisonburg HomeSchool and Eastern Mennonite. However, their overall performance has been inconsistent, particularly in games against tougher competition, where their defense and ability to execute in the second half have been weaknesses.

Hargrave Military Academy: A Season of Improvement

In contrast, Hargrave Military Academy has found more success, with a 9-6 overall record and a strong performance in regional play, posting a 2-2 record. Hargrave’s ability to maintain a steady offensive output, averaging 72 points per game, has been a key factor in their success. The team has shown balanced scoring, with Kendall Lanier leading the charge with 15.3 points per game. Lanier also contributes significantly on defense, recording 1.6 steals per game. Other standout players include Teshawn Ricks, who averages 7.8 rebounds per game, and Jalen Carter, who leads the team with 3.3 assists per game.

One of Hargrave’s key advantages is their dominance in the paint, where they out-rebound opponents 29.1 to 5.9 per game. Their defense, with an average of 7.7 steals and 1.8 blocks per game, has been a major contributor to their solid record. The team’s scoring is well-distributed across the lineup, with multiple players stepping up to contribute at different points in games. This balance has helped them stay competitive throughout the season, especially in close contests.

Hargrave’s 3-1 record against common opponents, including victories over Word of God Christian Academy National and The Covenant, further emphasizes their ability to rise to the occasion. Despite some losses to teams like Blue Ridge, Hargrave has shown resilience in bouncing back from setbacks.

Key Matchups Ahead

As the season progresses, both teams have crucial games that will test their abilities. Miller School of Albemarle faces a challenging schedule, with games against Blue Ridge, Virginia Episcopal School, and Fishburne Military School. They will need to improve their offensive consistency and second-half play if they hope to improve their record.

For Hargrave Military Academy, upcoming matchups against tough opponents like Roanoke Catholic and North Cross will be critical in determining their playoff seeding. Their strong rebounding and defense will be vital in these contests, as they look to finish the season on a high note.

Conclusion

Miller School of Albemarle and Hargrave Military Academy represent two sides of the high school basketball spectrum in Virginia. While Miller School is still in search of consistency, Hargrave has shown the ability to rise to challenges and maintain a competitive edge. With the season still underway, both teams have plenty of opportunities to make their mark in Virginia high school basketball.