The Auburn (WA) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Mt. Rainier (Des Moines, WA) on Friday, January 17, at 8 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Basketball
Who: Mt. Rainier vs Auburn
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 8:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Mt. Rainier vs Auburn

The 2024-2025 high school basketball season in Washington has showcased an exciting clash of powerhouse teams, with Mt. Rainier and Auburn standing out in their respective conferences. Both teams have demonstrated impressive performances, but their season statistics reveal key differences in style, strength, and achievements.

Team Overview

• Mt. Rainier (9-5 overall, 5-4 in District play): The Mt. Rainier basketball team has had a solid season with a winning record. They have managed to accumulate an overall win rate of .643, performing decently at home (6-3) and on the road (3-2). With 777 points scored and 679 points allowed, their games have typically been high-scoring, averaging 55.5 points per game.
• Auburn (14-1 overall, 8-0 in District play): Auburn has been dominating throughout the season, with a remarkable 14-1 record. They are unbeaten in District play (8-0) and have proven to be a formidable force, scoring 1,094 points while allowing only 772, resulting in a high average of 72.9 points per game. This offensive firepower has made them one of the most feared teams in the state.

Head-to-Head Matchup

The most recent encounter between these two teams took place on December 9, 2024, where Auburn showcased their strength with a dominant 81-57 win at Mt. Rainier. The game saw Auburn lead from start to finish, with significant contributions from their entire lineup, while Mt. Rainier struggled in the early quarters. Auburn outscored Mt. Rainier in all four periods, with notable performances in Q1 (24 points) and Q3 (24 points). On the other hand, Mt. Rainier’s best quarter came in the final period, where they scored 25 points, but it was not enough to overcome Auburn’s impressive lead.

Looking ahead, the two teams will face off again on January 17, 2025, in a highly anticipated conference game at Auburn. With Auburn continuing their undefeated district run, Mt. Rainier will look to bounce back and challenge the mighty Tigers on their home court.

Team Performance Breakdown

• Mt. Rainier’s Strengths:
  • Mt. Rainier’s scoring is led by Mason Emil, who averages 12.5 points per game, as well as pulling down 6.1 rebounds. His performances are vital in both offense and defense for the team.
  • The team averages 29.9 rebounds per game, showcasing a strong presence in the paint.
  • They also boast 10.9 steals per game, with Nathenael Abdi contributing significantly with 1.9 steals, demonstrating their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
• Auburn’s Strengths:
  • Auburn’s offensive efficiency is their standout feature, with a team scoring average of 72.9 points per game. Their ability to consistently rack up points in each quarter (especially in Q1 and Q3) makes them an incredibly dangerous team.
  • Their defense is equally strong, with the team allowing just 772 points across 15 games, giving them a defensive average of 51.5 points against per game.
  • Auburn’s Mason Emil (from Mt. Rainier) is the standout player to watch, with their balance across the court and ability to make crucial plays when needed.

Statistical Insights and Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents throughout the season, with Auburn generally coming out on top. Some notable games include:

• Mt. Rainier’s 4-3 record against common opponents compared to Auburn’s 7-0 record demonstrates the level of competition each team has been up against.
• Auburn has defeated teams like Kentridge, Tahoma, and Kennedy Catholic in dominant fashion, while Mt. Rainier has also secured wins but with a slightly more challenging schedule and close matchups.

For instance, Auburn’s 75-52 victory against Kentridge and 78-70 win against Tahoma show their ability to blow out teams, while Mt. Rainier faced a 61-60 win against Tahoma, highlighting a tighter contest.

Looking Forward

With Auburn remaining undefeated in district play and Mt. Rainier fighting to gain ground, the upcoming game between these two teams on January 17th promises to be a thrilling matchup. Auburn will likely continue to leverage their high-scoring ability, while Mt. Rainier will aim to harness their defensive strength and rebounding to stay competitive.

Both teams are poised for a strong finish to the season, with potential playoff implications on the line. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Auburn to see if they can maintain their perfect district record and on Mt. Rainier to see if they can mount a challenge in their second meeting. The competition between these two high-performing schools is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in Washington high school basketball this year.