The Navajo Prep varsity basketball team (Farmington, NM) will play a home non-conference game against Kirtland Central (Kirtland, NM) today at 7 p.m.

Navajo Prep vs Kirtland Central Girls Basketball Game Info:

What: New Mexico High School Girls Basketball
Who: Navajo Prep vs Kirtland Central
When: Monday, December 16, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Navajo Prep vs Kirtland Central

As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, Kirtland Central and Navajo Prep stand out as two teams to watch in New Mexico. With contrasting records and styles of play, both teams are preparing for key matchups in the coming months. Let’s break down their season statistics, team dynamics, and upcoming head-to-head matchups.

Kirtland Central: Dominating the Court

With a solid 4-1 record so far in the season, Kirtland Central has proven itself to be a formidable team. The squad has shown strong offensive firepower, averaging 64.8 points per game. Their point distribution is spread out evenly, with 16.7 points in the first quarter, 15.7 in the second, and a dominant 20 points in the third. This high-scoring trend suggests the team’s ability to maintain intensity throughout the game, often finishing strong in the final quarter with 11.3 points.

On the defensive side, Kirtland Central has allowed 233 points, but their average of 46.6 points allowed per game shows they are capable of holding opponents to manageable scores. This has helped them secure victories both at home (2-0) and away (1-1).

Navajo Prep: Battling for Consistency

Navajo Prep has had a more up-and-down start to their season with a 4-3 record. Despite this, they’ve demonstrated resilience, particularly on their home court where they have a 2-0 record. Their offense averages 38 points per game, with their highest-scoring quarter being the fourth (12.0 points). However, their offensive production drops in the earlier quarters, with averages of just 8.0 points in the first and 5.5 in the second.

Defensively, Navajo Prep has allowed 259 points, averaging 37 points against per game. While their offense is not as high-powered as Kirtland Central’s, their defense and strong finish in games could provide an upset in future matchups.

Common Opponents: Who’s Leading the Way?

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, and while Kirtland Central is undefeated against them, Navajo Prep has a strong 4-0 record against the same teams. The upcoming games with these common opponents will be crucial in determining which team has the upper hand in league play.

For instance, both teams will face Tohatchi this season, with Kirtland Central hosting the game on January 2, 2025, while Navajo Prep will travel to Tohatchi on January 14, 2025. This could be a pivotal matchup, as both teams have yet to face this opponent head-to-head.

Additionally, both teams will face Shiprock, Aztec, and Bloomfield, with Kirtland Central having a favorable record in non-league play and Navajo Prep having shown their ability to take down these teams in previous seasons.

Head-to-Head Breakdown: Strengths and Opportunities

Although neither team has played each other this season, the competition promises to be tight when it comes to head-to-head matchups. Kirtland Central’s high-scoring offense and strong third-quarter performances are a clear advantage, while Navajo Prep will look to use their consistent defense and ability to close games strong as a way to keep pace.

Looking Ahead: Key Matchups

With Kirtland Central continuing its impressive record and Navajo Prep aiming for consistency, the upcoming games will be critical in shaping the rest of their season. Kirtland Central will look to stay undefeated in league play, while Navajo Prep will hope to build on their past success against common opponents.

Both teams will have opportunities to make statements as they play through their remaining schedules, but with contrasting styles and the stakes rising, their future matchups will be nothing short of exciting.