The Moore (Louisville, KY) varsity basketball team will play a neutral tournament game against St. Xavier (Louisville, KY) today at 6 p.m.
Moore vs St. Xavier Game Info:
What: Kentucky High School Basketball
Who: Moore (KY) vs St. Xavier (KY)
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Where: Valley High School
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Moore vs St. Xavier
As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season unfolds, the rivalry between St. Xavier and Moore is already making waves in Louisville, Kentucky. With impressive records and key matchups ahead, both teams are showcasing their talents and fighting for dominance.
St. Xavier Overview
The St. Xavier Tigers have been a force to reckon with, boasting a stellar record of 12-2 overall. This includes an undefeated district performance (1-0) and an 80.6 points-per-game scoring average. St. Xavier’s balanced offensive and defensive game has earned them respect across the state, as they continue to build momentum heading into the heart of the season.
Key players such as Jeremiah Jackson (#23), averaging 13.8 points per game, and Will Hanke (#35), with 4.6 rebounds per game, are leading the charge. The Tigers’ dynamic gameplay is evident with a significant points per game average, as they consistently outperform their opponents, including an 82-40 victory over Moore on December 11, 2024.
Moore Overview
The Moore Mustangs have shown resilience this season with an 8-5 overall record, including a perfect district performance (2-0). With a slightly lower scoring average of 72.0 points per game, Moore’s strength lies in their ability to control the pace of the game, especially in the second half. Their standout player, Ej Leslie (#3), is averaging 10.0 points per game and 4.0 assists per game, helping the team to maintain their competitive edge.
Though Moore suffered a heavy defeat against St. Xavier in their previous encounter, their fight back in future matchups, like their win against Brown (91-49), shows their potential for bounce-back performances.
Head-to-Head Showdown: St. Xavier Dominates
In their most recent meeting, St. Xavier took a commanding 82-40 victory over Moore, proving their superior offensive execution and overall team play. The Tigers’ ability to score consistently in all four quarters of the game was evident, with a scoring spread of 19.0, 18.5, 17.0, and 17.0 points in each quarter.
Moore, on the other hand, struggled to match the firepower of St. Xavier, only managing to score 40 points overall. Despite strong efforts from their top scorer Ej Leslie, Moore was unable to overcome the defensive prowess and fast-paced offense of the Tigers.
Key Team Stats and Comparisons
- Points Per Game: St. Xavier – 80.6, Moore – 72.0
- Rebounds Per Game: St. Xavier – 26.9, Moore – 3.4
- Assists Per Game: St. Xavier – N/A, Moore – 1.8
- Steals Per Game: St. Xavier – N/A, Moore – 1.2
- Blocks Per Game: St. Xavier – N/A, Moore – 0.2
As the stats suggest, St. Xavier has a significant edge in rebounds and scoring, which plays a crucial role in their victories. Moore, however, will look to tighten their defense and sharpen their offensive execution as they face off against St. Xavier again in upcoming neutral-site games.
Common Opponents and Record Breakdown
Both teams have squared off against common opponents, with St. Xavier maintaining a perfect 2-0 record against teams such as Brown and Holy Cross. Moore has also been successful, notably securing a win against Brown (91-49), but will need to improve their performance against stronger opponents like St. Xavier to be considered a serious contender for district championships.
Looking at their overall record breakdown:
- St. Xavier: 12-2 overall, 4-0 at home, 6-2 away, and 1-1 in neutral-site games.
- Moore: 8-5 overall, 3-2 at home, 4-2 away, and 1-1 in neutral-site games.
Both teams have displayed resilience, but St. Xavier’s consistency in home and away games sets them apart this season.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The season is far from over, and both teams have plenty of opportunities to make their mark. For St. Xavier, their upcoming matchups against schools like W.E.B. DuBois Academy and Eastern will test their ability to keep momentum and maintain dominance. Moore, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on their remaining games against teams like Holy Cross and Jeffersontown to improve their standing and challenge St. Xavier in future encounters.
As the rivalry continues, both teams will undoubtedly face off again in intense district battles that could determine the fate of the season. With the season heating up, the basketball landscape in Louisville promises plenty of excitement.
