The Needles (CA) varsity basketball team will be hosting White Pine (Ely, NV) for a home conference game today at 6:30 PM.

Game Details:

• Matchup: White Pine vs Needles
• Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
• Time: 6:30 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here

White Pine vs. Needles: A Comparison of Two Basketball Powerhouses

The upcoming basketball game between the White Pine Bobcats from Ely, Nevada, and the Needles Mustangs from Needles, California, promises to be an exciting showdown between two teams with contrasting records and styles of play. Both teams have had a series of high-profile games leading to this point, and the results so far make this matchup one to watch.

White Pine’s Season Overview

White Pine (8-8 overall, 4-2 in league play) has had a solid yet inconsistent season in the 2024-2025 campaign. With a balanced home and away record (3-3 at home, 1-3 on the road), they have shown resilience but struggled to capitalize on tough road games. Their scoring average stands at 48.7 points per game, with notable performances in the first and third quarters (13.2 and 12.4 points, respectively). Their top scorer, Mo Van Tassell, leads the team with 13.0 points per game and 7.9 rebounds per game, providing a dual-threat on both ends of the court.

Despite their .500 win percentage, the Bobcats have shown that they can compete with strong opponents, as reflected in their 4-2 record against common opponents, which includes wins against teams like Adelson and Laughlin. However, losses to teams like Moapa Valley and Lincoln County have highlighted their need for improvement.

Needles’ Dominance

On the other hand, the Needles Mustangs have been nothing short of dominant. With a perfect 18-0 record (7-0 in league play), they enter the game as one of the most formidable teams in the state of California. Needles has been especially strong on the road, with a 7-0 record in away games. Their scoring is impressive, averaging a whopping 78.4 points per game, with their offense firing on all cylinders, especially in the first and second quarters (22.8 and 20.9 points, respectively).

Luke Mills leads the charge for Needles, scoring 19.5 points per game, while Darrell Russell (5.5 rebounds per game) and Connor Goulet (3.2 assists per game) have also been key contributors. With an unblemished record, Needles has shown an ability to crush opponents, as evidenced by their 95-25 win over Adelson and a 78-35 victory over Laughlin.

Head-to-Head Matchup

In their most recent encounter on December 13, 2024, Needles emerged victorious in a dominant fashion, winning 67-36. Despite a solid fourth quarter from White Pine (14 points), the Mustangs proved too much to handle with a balanced offensive attack and superior defense. Needles’ ability to score consistently across all quarters, including 20 points in the first and 19 points in the second, was a decisive factor in their win.

Statistical Breakdown: White Pine vs. Needles

• Scoring: White Pine averages 48.7 points per game, while Needles puts up an impressive 78.4 points per game.
• Rebounds: White Pine grabs 16.9 rebounds per game, but Needles dominates on the boards with 28.2 rebounds per game.
• Assists: White Pine averages 5.3 assists, compared to Needles’ 16.8 assists per game.
• Steals: White Pine records 3.3 steals per game, whereas Needles excels with 13.1 steals per game.
• Blocks: White Pine has a slight edge with 0.8 blocks per game compared to Needles’ 3.0.

Team Leaders:

• White Pine: Mo Van Tassell (13.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG), Jacob Derbidge (3.3 APG)
• Needles: Luke Mills (19.5 PPG), Darrell Russell (5.5 RPG), Connor Goulet (3.2 APG)

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents, with Needles emerging undefeated in all of these matchups, including dominant wins over teams like Lincoln County and Awaken Christian. White Pine has held its own, posting a 4-2 record in these games, though they have fallen short against teams like Moapa Valley and Lincoln County.

The Road Ahead

For White Pine, this game is an opportunity to prove that they can compete with the elite teams in the region. With a balanced offense and a strong performance from Mo Van Tassell, they could present a challenge to the Mustangs. However, Needles’ perfect record and their ability to overwhelm teams on both ends of the court make them the heavy favorites.

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build momentum for their respective playoff pushes. Needles will aim to maintain their flawless record, while White Pine hopes to capitalize on their home court advantage and secure a much-needed win to bolster their playoff aspirations.

Conclusion

This game between White Pine and Needles is more than just a regular-season matchup; it’s a chance for White Pine to test their mettle against one of the most dominant teams in the state. For Needles, it’s another opportunity to showcase their near-perfect basketball and extend their winning streak. Whatever the outcome, this game will certainly provide fans with an exciting and competitive experience.