The Saint James Trojans and Montgomery Academy Eagles are set to clash in an intriguing non-conference varsity basketball matchup, with the first encounter scheduled at Montgomery Academy in just a few hours. This game provides a fascinating contrast between two teams with very different seasons so far.

Saint James: A Season of Dominance

Saint James has had an extraordinary run this season, boasting an impressive 20-2 overall record and an unbeaten 8-0 home streak. Their dominance extends across non-league games (10-1) and neutral-site contests (8-1), emphasizing their consistency. With a remarkable .909 win percentage, the Trojans have been a force to reckon with, outscoring opponents by a total of 1,464 to 912.

Key contributors to Saint James’ success include:

• Natalie Barton (#5): A standout player, averaging 18.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.3 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game. Barton’s versatility and leadership are crucial to the Trojans’ strategy.
• Morgan Lilly (#24): The team’s assist leader, with 5.1 assists per game, orchestrating plays and ensuring smooth ball movement.

Saint James averages 66.5 points per game, with balanced scoring across quarters, demonstrating their ability to maintain offensive pressure throughout games.

Montgomery Academy: Struggles and Resilience

In contrast, Montgomery Academy has had a challenging season, sitting at 7-10 overall with a .412 win percentage. Their record in non-league play (4-8) and home games (2-4) highlights their struggles to find consistency. However, the Eagles have excelled in regional contests, maintaining a perfect 2-0 record.

While their scoring average of 36 points per game is modest compared to Saint James, Montgomery Academy often shows a stronger offensive surge in the third quarter, averaging 22 points. The team has relied on resilience and team effort to stay competitive.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

This will be the first meeting of the season between these two teams. Looking at common opponents, Saint James has clearly outperformed Montgomery Academy, boasting a 9-1 record compared to the Eagles’ 2-6. Notable examples include:

• Prattville Christian Academy: Saint James secured decisive wins (52-42, 63-31), while Montgomery Academy struggled in both encounters (81-34, 62-29).
• Montgomery Catholic: The Trojans went undefeated (3-0) against this opponent, while the Eagles lost both their matchups.

What to Watch For

• Saint James’ Offense: Led by Natalie Barton, the Trojans’ ability to score consistently across all quarters could overwhelm Montgomery Academy’s defense.
• Montgomery Academy’s Third Quarter Push: The Eagles tend to peak in the third quarter. If they can extend that momentum, they may pose a challenge.
• Defense and Rebounding: Saint James’ advantage on the boards (18.9 rebounds per game) may limit Montgomery Academy’s second-chance opportunities.

The Road Ahead

After tonight’s game at Montgomery Academy, the teams will meet again in 11 days at Saint James. The outcome of this doubleheader will provide a clearer picture of each team’s growth and postseason potential.

Stay tuned for live updates and post-game analysis as these two Montgomery-based teams face off in what promises to be an exciting matchup!