The St. John’s varsity basketball team (Washington, DC) will play a neutral tournament game against Myrtle Beach (SC) today at 5:15 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington, DC High School Basketball
Who: Myrtle Beach vs St. John’s
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 5:15. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Myrtle Beach vs St. John’s

High school basketball in Washington, DC has seen some thrilling matchups this season, with teams such as Myrtle Beach and St. John’s College showing impressive records and performances. Both teams have been dominant on the court, but each has distinct strengths that set them apart.

Team Records and Overview

Myrtle Beach enters the 2024-2025 season with a solid 5-2 overall record. The team has proven strong on their home court, holding a 2-0 home record. Their ability to perform on neutral ground is also notable, with a 2-1 record in those matchups. Myrtle Beach has an overall winning percentage of .714, scoring an average of 60 points per game and allowing 43.7 points per game. This balanced offense and defense have made them a formidable opponent.

St. John’s College, on the other hand, has been a standout with an 8-2 overall record. The team has been especially dominant in league play, boasting a perfect 2-0 record in the Washington, DC Division. Their overall win percentage sits at a robust .800, and they are undefeated at home with a 5-0 record. St. John’s has an average of 73.8 points per game, far surpassing Myrtle Beach’s scoring, and they have been highly efficient on both ends of the floor. Their defensive prowess has allowed them to control the game, holding opponents to an average of 53.7 points per game.

Team Scoring Averages

When it comes to scoring, St. John’s has shown a much higher output compared to Myrtle Beach. Here’s a closer look at how both teams perform across each quarter of the game:

• Myrtle Beach: The team averages 17.5 points in the first quarter, 7.5 in the second, 14.0 in the third, and 13.5 in the fourth, leading to a total of 60 points per game.
• St. John’s: The team is consistently high-scoring, averaging 18.7 points in the first quarter, 19.7 in the second, 18.3 in the third, and 17.0 in the fourth, finishing with a total of 73.8 points per game.

St. John’s shows a more well-rounded scoring performance across all four quarters, maintaining a high output throughout the game. Myrtle Beach’s scoring dips significantly in the second quarter, which may impact their overall performance in close contests.

Statistical Leaders

Both teams have standout players who lead in key statistical categories:

• Myrtle Beach:
  • Points per Game: Devin Toatley leads the team with 15.8 points per game.
  • Rebounds per Game: Omari Witherspoon is the team leader with 5.8 rebounds per game.
  • Assists per Game: Geremy Clark has 4.0 assists per game, helping facilitate the offense.
  • Steals per Game: Omari Witherspoon also excels defensively with 1.5 steals per game.
  • Blocks per Game: Finley Billy leads with 0.8 blocks per game.
• St. John’s:
  • Points per Game: St. John’s sees scoring contributions from a variety of players, with the team averaging 28.4 points per game.
  • Rebounds per Game: The team also benefits from strong rebounding, averaging 11.0 rebounds per game.
  • Assists per Game: As a team, St. John’s averages 5.6 assists per game, showcasing their ball movement.
  • Steals per Game: They average 3.0 steals per game, emphasizing their defense.
  • Blocks per Game: The team registers 0.7 blocks per game, showing their ability to contest shots in the paint.

Strengths and Style of Play

Myrtle Beach has shown to be a well-rounded team with a balanced offensive and defensive approach. However, they may struggle at times to maintain scoring consistency throughout the game, particularly in the second quarter. Their ability to close out games has been key to their success this season.

St. John’s College, with their high-scoring offense, has proven to be one of the most potent teams in the region. They consistently put up impressive point totals in all four quarters, showcasing a depth of talent. Their perfect home record and dominance in league play suggest that they thrive under pressure, and they have the ability to outpace most opponents.

Head-to-Head and Upcoming Matchups

As of now, Myrtle Beach and St. John’s have not faced each other, but if they were to meet, it would be an exciting battle of contrasting styles. Myrtle Beach’s strong defense and efficient scoring would be tested against St. John’s explosive offense and depth. With both teams performing at a high level, any future matchup would undoubtedly be one to watch.

Conclusion

The 2024-2025 season has been an exciting one for both Myrtle Beach and St. John’s College. While St. John’s holds the advantage in terms of overall performance and scoring power, Myrtle Beach has the ability to compete with their balanced game. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their successes and refine their strategies as they prepare for future challenges and potential playoff appearances.

With high stakes ahead, Washington, DC high school basketball fans are sure to see some thrilling games from these two top-tier teams.