The Minford High School varsity basketball team is set to play a home conference game against Portsmouth West (West Portsmouth, OH) today at 7:15 PM.

Matchup Details

• Teams: Portsmouth West High School (PWHS) vs. Minford High School
• Date & Time: Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 7:15 PM
• Location: Minford High School, Minford, OH
• Live stream: Watch Here

Portsmouth West vs. Minford: A Look at the Rivalry in 2024-2025

As the Portsmouth West and Minford basketball teams prepare for their upcoming games, the spotlight is on the fierce rivalry brewing between these two schools in Southern Ohio. Both teams have had strong seasons in 2024-2025, and their matchups are poised to be critical for conference standings and overall bragging rights. Here’s a breakdown of their records, performances, and what fans can expect as the teams go head-to-head.

Team Records and Standings

Portsmouth West enters the matchup with a respectable 6-2 record overall, having dominated their home games with a perfect 3-0 home record. However, they have faced some adversity on the road, going 3-2 in away games. Their conference record stands at 1-0, indicating a promising start to league play.

Minford, on the other hand, has been nearly flawless so far in the 2024-2025 season. The Falcons boast an undefeated 8-0 record, with perfect marks both at home (3-0) and on the road (4-0). Their conference record is also perfect at 1-0, and they have demonstrated their dominance in non-league play as well.

Scoring and Team Performance

When it comes to scoring, the contrast between the two teams is evident. Portsmouth West averages 54.8 points per game, with strong performances in the first and second quarters (12.5 and 14.5 points, respectively). However, they struggle to maintain that scoring pace in the latter half of the game, averaging just 21.3 points between the third and fourth quarters.

Minford, by contrast, has been a high-scoring machine. They average a remarkable 74 points per game, with explosive offensive output in the first quarter (23.2 points) and throughout the rest of the game. Their balanced attack, with consistent scoring across each period, has allowed them to build commanding leads early and often.

Key Players and Stat Leaders

Both teams feature standout players who will be critical in the outcome of these matchups. For Portsmouth West, Myles Montgomery has been a dominant force. Averaging 27.0 points per game, Montgomery also contributes significantly with 4 assists and 5 steals per game. His all-around play will be essential for the success of Portsmouth West, especially in high-stakes conference games.

Minford counters with a deep roster, but Bennett Kayser stands out with 12.0 rebounds per game, helping control the glass and keep opposing offenses at bay. Additionally, Minford’s balanced offensive attack, including a strong assist game, has allowed them to dominate teams across multiple facets.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head History

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, and their performances against these teams offer insight into how they may match up in their upcoming games. Portsmouth West boasts a 3-1 record against common opponents, with notable victories over Oak Hill and Symmes Valley, though they suffered a narrow loss to Eastern.

Minford, meanwhile, has been perfect against their common opponents, with an unblemished 3-0 record. Their victories include dominant wins over Oak Hill, Symmes Valley, and Valley, and they look to continue their winning ways as they head into future matchups.

Upcoming Games

The first of these highly anticipated games takes place in just a few hours, as Portsmouth West travels to Minford for an away conference game on January 11, 2025, at 7:15 p.m. The rematch is set for February 4, 2025, at Portsmouth West, which will give fans on both sides a chance to see how the teams have evolved over the course of the season.

Conclusion

With both teams in strong form this season, the upcoming games between Portsmouth West and Minford are set to be thrilling contests. Minford’s perfect record and offensive firepower make them the favorite heading into the matchup, but Portsmouth West’s resilience and standout player Myles Montgomery could provide the spark they need to upset the Falcons. Fans of both teams should mark their calendars for these exciting showdowns, as the rivalry promises to deliver high drama and unforgettable basketball action.