The Zillah (WA) varsity basketball team will host Naches Valley (Naches, WA) in a home conference game on Friday, January 31, at 7:15 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington High School Basketball
Who: Naches Valley vs Zillah
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:15. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Naches Valley vs Zillah
The Washington high school basketball scene has witnessed a significant contrast between two teams in the 2024-25 season: Zillah and Naches Valley. While Zillah has dominated their opponents with an impressive record, Naches Valley has struggled to find consistency, leading to vastly different trajectories for both programs.
Team Performance Overview
Zillah Leopards (14-3 Overall, 11-1 District)
Zillah has established itself as a powerhouse this season, boasting a stellar 14-3 overall record and an 11-1 standing in district play. The team has been dominant both at home (8-1) and on the road (6-2), reflecting their versatility and competitive edge.
The Leopards’ offense has been a significant factor in their success, averaging 78.5 points per game, with strong starts in the first (23.8 points) and second (20.3 points) quarters. Their ability to control games early has set them apart from the competition. Their defense has also held opponents to just 942 points, ensuring they maintain a strong margin of victory.
Naches Valley Rangers (3-12 Overall, 1-8 District)
On the other side, Naches Valley has faced a challenging season, securing only three wins out of fifteen games. Their district record (1-8) highlights their struggles within conference play. Home-court advantage has not significantly helped, as they have managed just one win in five home games (1-4), while their away record (2-7) also reflects their difficulties.
Offensively, Naches Valley averages 49.2 points per game—almost 30 points fewer than Zillah. Their struggles are particularly evident in the first half, where they average just 8 points per quarter. This slow start often leaves them playing catch-up, a difficult position against stronger teams. Additionally, they have allowed 925 points defensively, making it difficult to secure victories.
Head-to-Head Matchup: Zillah vs. Naches Valley
In their most recent encounter on December 21st, Zillah showcased their superiority with a commanding 74-26 victory over Naches Valley. The scoreline reflected the significant gap in performance between the two teams, reinforcing Zillah’s dominance in the district.
The two teams are set to meet again on January 31st in what will be a tough test for Naches Valley as they attempt to avenge their earlier loss. Given Zillah’s strong track record, they are expected to have the upper hand once again.
Common Opponents: A Measure of Strength
A comparison of results against common opponents further highlights the gap between Zillah and Naches Valley. While Zillah holds an 11-1 record against these teams, Naches Valley has struggled, winning only two of ten matchups. Zillah has consistently posted high-scoring performances, including a 99-44 victory over College Place and an 89-47 win against Connell, while Naches Valley has had significantly closer or losing results against the same opponents.
Looking Ahead
For Zillah, the season continues to trend positively as they aim to solidify their dominance in district play and prepare for potential postseason success. Their ability to maintain their high-scoring performances and defensive consistency will be key in their pursuit of a championship run.
Naches Valley, meanwhile, faces an uphill battle. As they look to improve their performance, finding ways to generate early-game offense and tighten their defense will be crucial to securing more wins in the remaining schedule.
With another showdown between these two teams looming, all eyes will be on whether Naches Valley can challenge Zillah or if the Leopards will continue their commanding run through the season.
