The Nantahala varsity basketball team (Topton, NC) will host Blue Ridge Early College (Cashiers, NC) for a home conference game on Friday, December 13, at 6:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know Basketball:
What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Nantahala vs Blue Ridge Early College
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 6:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
Blue Ridge Early College vs. Nantahala Basketball Preview
The basketball season is heating up as Blue Ridge Early College (Cashiers, NC) prepares for an exciting away conference game against Nantahala (Topton, NC) on Friday, December 13, at 6:00 p.m. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two local rivals, both looking to build momentum in their respective seasons.
Season Overview and Records
- Blue Ridge Early College (2-3 overall, 1-1 home, 1-2 away): The Blue Ridge team has had a challenging start to their season, but they have shown resilience. They have averaged 38.8 points per game, with a strong third quarter performance of 14.7 points per game, but will need to improve their defense (allowing an average of 300 points across their games).
- Nantahala (3-2 overall, 2-1 home, 1-1 away): Nantahala has had a slightly better record this season, with a winning percentage of .600. They average 68.4 points per game and have demonstrated solid offensive power, especially in the final quarters, where they score an impressive 22.0 points per game. Despite a close overall point differential of 342-349, Nantahala will rely on its strong offense to carry the team through tough games.
Team Scoring Comparison
Blue Ridge Early College struggles to keep up with Nantahala’s scoring prowess. The Blue Ridge team has a balanced attack across the quarters, but they need to find more consistency in the second and fourth quarters, where they score 7.7 and 9.7 points per game, respectively.
Nantahala, on the other hand, shines in the latter stages of the game. Their fourth-quarter surge (22.0 points per game) highlights their ability to close out games strong, making them a dangerous opponent in the final moments.
Key Players to Watch
- Blue Ridge Early College:
- Anthony Baumgarner: Leading the team with an average of 13.0 points per game, Baumgarner will be critical in leading the offense.
- Conor McCall: Averaging 4.2 rebounds per game, McCall’s presence in the paint will be vital for Blue Ridge’s defense and second-chance opportunities.
- Nantahala:
- Cole McCoy: With an impressive 26.7 points per game, McCoy has been the offensive leader for Nantahala. His scoring ability will be crucial in breaking down Blue Ridge’s defense.
- Landon Neal: Leading the team in rebounds with 8.3 per game, Neal will be key in controlling the boards and limiting Blue Ridge’s opportunities.
Team Stat Comparison
The teams are closely matched, though Nantahala holds the edge in nearly every statistical category:
| Stat | Blue Ridge Early College | Nantahala |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 38.8 | 68.4 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 21.2 | 22.0 |
| Assists Per Game | 4.8 | 8.4 |
| Steals Per Game | 4.4 | 7.4 |
| Blocks Per Game | 2.0 | 0.8 |
Blue Ridge has struggled with scoring efficiency and playmaking, recording just 4.8 assists per game compared to 8.4 assists per game for Nantahala. Blue Ridge will need to be more efficient and rely on its key players to keep pace.
Head-to-Head Matchups
Looking at common opponents, both teams have faced Shining Rock Classical Academy, with Blue Ridge holding a 2-1 record against common opponents, while Nantahala has a 1-1 record. Blue Ridge has already beaten Shining Rock twice this season, which could give them a psychological advantage heading into the Nantahala game.
However, when comparing recent performances against tougher opponents like Swain County and Robbinsville, Nantahala has fared slightly better, particularly in their win against Shining Rock.
What’s at Stake?
The Blue Ridge Early College team will need to step up their defense to contain McCoy and Neal, while also improving their offensive output to remain competitive. Nantahala, on the other hand, will look to continue their strong offensive play and capitalize on Blue Ridge’s defensive lapses. With both teams trying to gain ground in the conference standings, this game will be crucial for setting the tone for the rest of the season.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming basketball game between Blue Ridge Early College and Nantahala will be a test of strength, strategy, and resilience. With both teams possessing their own unique strengths, this rivalry matchup will likely come down to key performances from their star players. Fans can expect an action-packed game full of intense moments as these teams look to battle for supremacy in their conference.
