The Shorecrest varsity basketball team (Seattle, WA) will host a home conference game against Mountlake Terrace (WA) on Friday, January 17, at 6:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington High School Basketball
Who: Mountlake Terrace vs Shorecrest
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 6:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Mountlake Terrace vs Shorecrest
As the Washington high school basketball season heats up, the spotlight shines on the rivalry between Shorecrest and Mountlake Terrace. The two teams, both part of the competitive Seattle-area district, exhibit contrasting seasons and performances as they gear up for another exciting matchup.
Team Performances: A Tale of Two Seasons
Mountlake Terrace (Overall: 7-8, District: 4-3) has had an up-and-down season, showing moments of brilliance but struggling to find consistent form. They’ve displayed a balanced record at home (3-3) and away (4-3), but their neutral-site games (0-2) highlight areas for improvement. Their win percentage stands at .467 overall, with a slightly better .571 in district games. Despite a solid effort, their scoring average of 50.5 points per game often hasn’t been enough, with the team’s defense allowing an average of 52.8 points per game (758 points for and 796 against).
Shorecrest (Overall: 13-1, District: 6-1) has been nothing short of dominant. Boasting a stellar .929 win percentage, they’ve excelled both at home (7-1) and on the road (6-0). Their district performance has been equally impressive, with a .857 winning rate. Shorecrest’s high-powered offense averages 69.6 points per game, while their defense has held opponents to a mere 49.7 points per game (974 points for and 696 against). This level of consistency has propelled them to a #5 class ranking in Washington.
Key Matchups and Head-to-Head History
The last time these teams met, on December 13, Shorecrest emerged victorious with a commanding 65-39 win at Mountlake Terrace. This result underscored the gap in scoring capability, as Shorecrest’s balanced attack overwhelmed the Mountlake Terrace defense. Notably, Shorecrest’s superior second-half adjustments contributed to their dominance.
With another matchup set for January 17 at Shorecrest’s home court, Mountlake Terrace faces a tough challenge. Shorecrest’s home advantage, combined with their current form, makes them the clear favorite. However, basketball is unpredictable, and Mountlake Terrace will look to capitalize on any weaknesses.
Team Scoring Averages
The scoring patterns of both teams offer insights into their styles:
- Mountlake Terrace:
- Q1: 13.8 points
- Q2: 9.0 points
- Q3: 12.4 points
- Q4: 12.0 points
- Final: 50.5 points
- Shorecrest:
- Q1: 19.0 points
- Q2: 15.0 points
- Q3: 18.0 points
- Q4: 17.0 points
- Final: 69.6 points
Shorecrest’s consistency across quarters ensures they maintain control of games, while Mountlake Terrace’s performance shows room for improvement, particularly in the second quarter.
Common Opponents
Analyzing games against common opponents highlights Shorecrest’s edge. Both teams played Everett, Lynnwood, Arlington, and Marysville Getchell, among others. Shorecrest’s record against these shared teams is an impressive 8-1, compared to Mountlake Terrace’s 6-4. These results reflect Shorecrest’s ability to dominate, even against tougher competition.
What to Watch For
The upcoming game between these two teams will likely hinge on several factors:
- Defensive Adjustments: Mountlake Terrace must tighten their defense to limit Shorecrest’s high-octane offense.
- Offensive Execution: To compete, Mountlake Terrace needs more consistent scoring across all quarters.
- Key Players: Shorecrest’s standout scorers and playmakers will look to exploit any lapses in Mountlake Terrace’s defense.
- Momentum: A strong start will be crucial for Mountlake Terrace to build confidence and disrupt Shorecrest’s rhythm.
Final Thoughts
While Shorecrest enters the January 17 game as the overwhelming favorite, Mountlake Terrace has the opportunity to pull off an upset if they can bring their best performance. With passionate fans and a storied rivalry, this matchup promises to be a thrilling showcase of Washington high school basketball talent. As the season progresses, both teams will aim to refine their play and make deep runs in the playoffs.
