The New Albany (IN) varsity basketball team will play a home non-conference game against Evansville North (Evansville, IN) on Friday, January 31, at 7 p.m.
New Albany vs Evansville North Game Info:
What: Indiana High School Basketball
Who: New Albany (IN) vs Evansville North (IN)
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: New Albany vs Evansville North
The 2024-2025 basketball season has showcased some fascinating contrasts between Evansville North and New Albany, two Indiana high school teams with differing records and performances across various categories. Let’s break down the season so far and compare the stats, trends, and key players of both teams.
Team Performance Overview
Evansville North enters the season with an overall record of 6-8. Their conference record stands at 1-4, indicating struggles within their league. They have posted a relatively even home/away record, with 2 wins and 4 losses in both home and away games. However, they have managed to secure a perfect 3-0 record in neutral-site games. With a modest win percentage of 42.9%, the team has managed to score a total of 760 points, while conceding 751 points over their 14 games.
In comparison, New Albany boasts a much stronger performance with an overall record of 10-2. They are dominating in their conference play, with a flawless 2-0 record and an impressive 8-2 in non-league matchups. Their win percentage of 83.3% is a testament to their consistency and high-level play. With a scoring total of 868 points and only 745 points conceded, they have shown a robust offense and defense throughout the season. Notably, New Albany remains unbeaten at home (4-2), away (5-0), and neutral venues (1-0).
Scoring Breakdown
Evansville North has an average of 54.3 points per game, with a consistent scoring spread across all four quarters: 12.1 points in the first, 11.7 in the second, 14.0 in the third, and 15.8 in the fourth. Their offensive output is supplemented by 9.0 points in overtime, if necessary.
On the other hand, New Albany shines with an average of 72.3 points per game, starting strong in the first quarter with 19.0 points and maintaining their offensive momentum with 15.2 in the second, 21.7 in the third, and 18.7 in the fourth quarter. The scoring consistency and high volume of points per game have contributed to their impressive record.
Key Stat Comparison
In terms of team statistics, Evansville North has been led by standout player Bryson Chapman, who has delivered impressive numbers across multiple categories. He averages 15.7 points per game and leads the team with 7.4 rebounds per game. Additionally, Chapman contributes 1.2 steals per game, showcasing his all-around abilities. Kellen English also stands out with 3.2 blocks per game, giving the team a significant defensive presence.
For New Albany, their team has been more balanced, with a higher offensive output. However, they have yet to provide detailed stats on specific individual leaders like Evansville North has for Chapman. Their overall team averages are strong, especially with the consistency in scoring and defensive statistics.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced some common opponents during the season. Evansville North struggled in these matchups, posting a 0-5 record against shared opponents, including losses to Jeffersonville, Evansville Reitz, Bloomington North, Jasper, and Evansville Harrison. In contrast, New Albany has had a far more successful run, going 3-0 against these same teams. Their victories include notable wins over Jeffersonville, Evansville Reitz, and Evansville Harrison, showcasing their dominance over shared competition.
Home and Away Splits
A crucial difference between the teams is their performance on the road. Evansville North has had difficulty on the road, with a 2-4 record at home and away, but they have managed to perform better at neutral sites with a 3-0 record. New Albany, on the other hand, has excelled on the road, going 5-0, and their only two losses this season came at home or in conference games.
Looking Ahead
As both teams push toward the latter half of the season, the contrast in their performance will make for an intriguing conclusion. Evansville North will need to improve its defense and overall consistency, particularly in conference games, if they are to make a late-season push. Meanwhile, New Albany seems poised for a deep run in the playoffs, maintaining dominance across all venues and continuing their unbeaten streak against common opponents.
With critical games on the horizon, including matchups with Evansville Central and Bedford North Lawrence, both teams have the opportunity to build on their performances. However, unless Evansville North can find a way to better compete against high-level opponents, New Albany will likely maintain its position as one of the top teams in the region.
Conclusion
While Evansville North has struggled to find its footing this season, New Albany has proven to be one of the state’s top teams. With excellent offensive firepower, solid defense, and strong leadership, New Albany’s 10-2 record speaks volumes. On the other hand, Evansville North’s season has been a tough one, with challenges in both offense and defense, especially against common opponents. The remaining games will be crucial for both teams as they strive for improvement and potential playoff success.
