The Mt. Vernon varsity basketball team (Fortville, IN) will play a home non-conference game against Avon (IN) on Friday, January 17, at 7:30 p.m.

Mt. Vernon vs Avon Game Info:

What: Indiana High School Basketball
Who: Mt. Vernon (IN) vs Avon (IN)
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Mt. Vernon vs Avon

As the 2024-2025 basketball season rolls on, two Indiana high school basketball powerhouses, Avon and Mt. Vernon, are making waves in their respective conferences. The rivalry between these two teams has been an exciting story, with each squad showing remarkable talent and determination. Let’s break down their performance across the board, from overall records to individual standout players.

Team Performance Comparison

Avon (24-25): With an impressive record of 12-1 overall, Avon has been dominating the court with a win percentage of .923. They have been particularly strong in conference play, boasting a perfect 2-0 record, and they’ve yet to lose a neutral game, with a flawless 5-0 record. Their ability to score is notable, averaging 63.7 points per game, while their defense has held opponents to just 566 points across their 13 games.

Mt. Vernon (24-25): Mt. Vernon, with an 8-2 record, has also had an impressive season, maintaining a win percentage of .800. Their 3-1 conference record showcases their competitive edge within their league. Despite a slightly lower scoring average of 57.2 points per game, Mt. Vernon has been solid defensively, allowing just 512 points in their 10 games.

Scoring Breakdown

The teams have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, but Avon outpaces Mt. Vernon with a higher average in each quarter. Here’s a breakdown of their scoring averages by quarter:

• Avon: 14.7 (Q1), 12.8 (Q2), 17.0 (Q3), 16.7 (Q4), Final: 63.7
• Mt. Vernon: 15.5 (Q1), 10.8 (Q2), 15.8 (Q3), 16.3 (Q4), Final: 57.2

Avon’s ability to ramp up its scoring in the third quarter (17.0 points per game) has been a crucial factor in their success. Mt. Vernon has remained steady throughout all four quarters but has not been able to match Avon’s scoring consistency.

Team Stat Comparison

In terms of overall statistics, Avon takes the lead in most categories:

• Points Per Game: Avon (63.7), Mt. Vernon (57.2)
• Rebounds Per Game: Avon (33.8), Mt. Vernon (22.0)
• Assists Per Game: Avon (14.1), Mt. Vernon (12.8)
• Steals Per Game: Avon (8.5), Mt. Vernon (7.4)
• Blocks Per Game: Avon (4.0), Mt. Vernon (0.9)

Avon has a distinct advantage in rebounds, with an average of 33.8 compared to Mt. Vernon’s 22.0. Their defense has also been more dominant, as shown by the greater number of steals and blocks.

Standout Players

Avon’s Leaders:

• Keriawn Berry: The team’s top scorer, with an average of 15.6 points per game.
• DeAndre Lott-Hancock: Contributing 8.1 rebounds per game, the team’s top rebounder.
• Rashod Bethley: Leads in assists with 2.8 per game.
• DeAndre Lott-Hancock: Also leads the team in steals, averaging 1.5 per game.
• Kendrick Dunmore: The team’s leader in blocks with 2.2 per game.

Mt. Vernon’s Leaders:

• Luke Ertel: A standout performer, averaging 18.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
• Tyler Davis: Contributing defensively with 0.3 blocks per game.

Ertel’s all-around performance has been a key element for Mt. Vernon’s success, while Avon’s balanced attack and multiple scoring threats give them an edge.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents, with Avon holding a 2-0 record against them, while Mt. Vernon is 0-1 against common teams. Here are some notable matchups:

• Hamilton Southeastern: Avon defeated them 51-48 (12/6/24), while Mt. Vernon will face them again on 1/25/25.
• Southport: Avon defeated them 47-43 (12/14/24), and Mt. Vernon will meet them on 2/15/25.
• Fishers: Avon will face them on 1/24/25, while Mt. Vernon lost to them 77-46 on 12/7/24.

These matchups further highlight Avon’s dominance in games against similar opponents, although Mt. Vernon still has opportunities to challenge these teams as the season progresses.

Conclusion

With both teams boasting impressive records and exceptional individual performances, Avon currently holds a slight advantage over Mt. Vernon. However, with Mt. Vernon’s strong leadership and competitive edge, the rivalry is far from settled. As the season continues, these two teams will undoubtedly continue to battle for supremacy, making their upcoming games ones to watch. Whether Avon can maintain its dominance or Mt. Vernon can rise to the challenge will be a thrilling narrative as the season unfolds.