The New Hanover varsity basketball team (Wilmington, NC) will be playing a home conference game against Laney (Wilmington, NC) today at 8 p.m.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: New Hanover vs Laney
When: Friday, January 3, 2025
Time: 8:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Laney vs. New Hanover: A Thrilling Showdown in Wilmington

As the Laney and New Hanover varsity basketball teams gear up for their highly anticipated conference matchup, both squads are entering the game with strong records and a fierce competitive spirit. The clash of these Wilmington, NC powerhouses promises to be an exciting battle, with both teams showcasing impressive performances so far this season.

Team Overview

Laney (7-3 overall, 2-0 conference) Laney has had a solid start to the 2024-2025 season, with a 7-3 record, including an undefeated 2-0 conference record. They’ve dominated on their home court, posting a perfect 2-0 record at home, while managing to hold their own on the road with a 3-1 away record. Their offense has been effective, averaging 57.5 points per game, and their defense has been steady, allowing 49.4 points per game.

New Hanover (8-2 overall, 2-0 conference) New Hanover enters this contest with an 8-2 record, a strong 2-0 conference mark, and an impressive 3-0 record in neutral-site games. They’ve been dominant offensively, scoring an average of 78.7 points per game, which is significantly higher than Laney’s average. With their ability to rack up points, New Hanover looks like a team ready to challenge Laney in all aspects of the game.

Head-to-Head Comparison

The two teams are quite evenly matched when it comes to their overall performance, though New Hanover holds a slight edge in scoring and rebounding. Below is a breakdown of the key statistical categories:

• Points Per Game:
  • Laney: 57.5
  • New Hanover: 78.7
  • New Hanover has a clear advantage in this category, averaging 21 more points per game than Laney.
• Rebounds Per Game:
  • Laney: 31.9
  • New Hanover: 35.6
  • New Hanover also edges out Laney in rebounding, with 3.7 more boards per game.
• Assists Per Game:
  • Laney: 15.6
  • New Hanover: 16.1
  • New Hanover’s slight advantage in assists shows their ability to create scoring opportunities for their teammates.
• Steals Per Game:
  • Laney: 10.5
  • New Hanover: 14.9
  • New Hanover’s defense has been much more disruptive, averaging 4.4 more steals per game than Laney.
• Blocks Per Game:
  • Laney: 2.9
  • New Hanover: 2.8
  • In this category, both teams are nearly identical, with a slight edge going to Laney.

Key Players to Watch

• Laney:
  • Colin Lamb (13.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.2 SPG): Lamb has been the standout player for Laney, leading the team in points, rebounds, and steals. His all-around game will be crucial to Laney’s success.
  • Trenton Hall (3.4 APG): Hall’s playmaking ability is key for Laney as he looks to create opportunities for his teammates.
• New Hanover:
  • Rodmik Allen (18.4 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.2 SPG): Allen is the top scorer and playmaker for New Hanover. His ability to score and distribute the ball will be vital in this high-scoring matchup.
  • Nolan Billings (5.1 RPG): Billings will be instrumental on the boards, helping New Hanover maintain possession and limiting Laney’s opportunities.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents, and their records against these teams highlight the competitiveness of the upcoming game. Here’s a quick look at how the two teams have fared against common opponents this season:

• Laney (2-1 against common opponents)
  • Wins against West Brunswick (52-35) and Ashley (44-33)
  • Loss to Swansboro (68-48)
• New Hanover (2-0 against common opponents)
  • Wins against Swansboro (107-38) and Topsail (76-34)

Both teams have shown they can dominate at home and against common opponents, with New Hanover displaying a particularly strong offensive force.

Game Preview

With the game set to tip off at 8:00 PM today at New Hanover’s home court, this matchup is expected to be a thrilling encounter between two talented teams. Laney will rely on their solid defense and balanced scoring attack to challenge New Hanover’s high-powered offense. On the other hand, New Hanover will look to maintain their offensive dominance and use their defensive prowess to shut down Laney’s key players.

As of now, both teams remain undefeated in conference play, and the result of this game could have major implications for the standings as the season progresses. Fans in Wilmington are in for an exciting night of basketball as these two teams square off in what promises to be an unforgettable rivalry.

Keep an eye on the key players like Colin Lamb for Laney and Rodmik Allen for New Hanover, as they will likely play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.