The Virginia Episcopal School (Lynchburg, VA) varsity basketball team will play a neutral tournament game against Morgantown (WV) on Friday, January 31 at 4:30 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: West Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Morgantown vs Virginia Episcopal School
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 4:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Morgantown vs Virginia Episcopal School
As the high school basketball season unfolds, teams across the region are making their mark. Among them, Morgantown High School (WV) has been a standout, posting impressive records both in and out of state. In contrast, Virginia Episcopal School (VA) has faced challenges, showing a record of just 7 wins and 13 losses. Let’s dive into the statistics and compare these two teams’ performances so far in the 2024-2025 season.
Morgantown’s Impressive Record
Morgantown High School has emerged as one of the top contenders in West Virginia basketball, with a stellar 9-1 overall record. Their performance has been nothing short of dominant, especially in regional games, where they boast a perfect 2-0 record. This strong start has made Morgantown a force to be reckoned with in their region.
The team has proven its prowess both at home and on the road, securing a 6-1 record in away games and a solid 3-0 record in neutral-site contests. This all-around excellence is reflected in their win percentage, which stands at a remarkable .900, with an immaculate 1.000 win percentage within their region.
Virginia Episcopal School’s Struggles
On the other side of the spectrum, Virginia Episcopal School has faced a tough road this season, with a 7-13 overall record. Their region record of 3-6 indicates that they’ve had difficulty in competitive games within their division. The team’s struggles are further highlighted by a negative win percentage of .350 and a region win percentage of .333, showcasing the challenges they’ve faced when it matters most.
Their performance away from home has also been less than ideal, with a 3-7 record in road games and a dismal 0-2 neutral-site record. These numbers suggest that the team has struggled to adapt to different environments, contributing to their overall underperformance.
Scoring Averages: Morgantown’s Offensive Firepower
When it comes to scoring, Morgantown has been firing on all cylinders. Averaging 72.1 points per game, the team has displayed impressive offensive balance throughout the game. They score consistently across all four quarters, with 16 points per quarter in the first three periods and 12 in the final quarter. This ability to maintain offensive pressure throughout the game is a hallmark of their success.
In contrast, Virginia Episcopal School has struggled to match this level of offensive output, averaging only 60.5 points per game. Though they have managed to stay competitive in some games, their scoring tends to dwindle in the later stages of matches, with a significant drop to 14.8 points in the fourth quarter.
Key Players: Morgantown’s Kaloyan Kolev
Morgantown’s success can be largely attributed to the stellar play of Kaloyan Kolev, who has been a standout performer this season. Averaging 14.9 points per game, Kolev leads the team in scoring, while also contributing 6.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. His all-around contributions have made him an invaluable asset to the team, helping to propel them to the top of the standings. Kolev’s defensive skills also shine, as he averages 1.5 steals per game.
For Virginia Episcopal School, the team has not had a single player close to Kolev’s level of dominance. The top scorer, Kaleb Williams, averages just 5 points per game, with limited impact on the boards and in assists. This lack of offensive production has been a significant factor in their struggles this season.
The Road Ahead: Playoff Hopes
Looking ahead, Morgantown seems poised for a deep run into the postseason. With a record of 8-1 in-state, they appear to be a strong contender for a state championship. Their performance against out-of-state opponents (1-0) also shows they are capable of competing on a national level.
Virginia Episcopal School, however, faces an uphill battle as they prepare for the rest of the season. Their 6-10 in-state record and 1-3 out-of-state record suggest that without significant improvement, a playoff appearance may be out of reach.
Conclusion
The difference in performance between Morgantown and Virginia Episcopal School is stark. Morgantown has been a dominant force in West Virginia high school basketball, with a solid mix of offensive power and defensive prowess. On the other hand, Virginia Episcopal School has struggled to find consistency, especially in their region. With the season still ongoing, Morgantown looks set for a successful campaign, while Virginia Episcopal will need to make significant improvements to turn their season around.
