As the high school basketball season progresses, two teams are drawing attention in Washington’s Class 4A division—Newport Bellevue and Monroe. The contrasting paths of these two schools offer an intriguing snapshot of this season’s action, with Newport Bellevue still in search of its first victory while Monroe remains undefeated.

Newport Bellevue’s Struggles

Newport Bellevue has faced a tough start to the 2024-2025 season, recording an overall record of 0-6. The team’s district record is similarly bleak at 0-3. Despite their challenges, Newport Bellevue’s efforts on the court have shown glimpses of potential. However, their 37.2 points per game average indicates that scoring has been a consistent struggle.

The team has encountered a series of difficult games against teams such as Cedarcrest and North Creek. A highlight from their season came on December 13, 2024, when they faced North Creek. The team continues to work towards breaking their losing streak, with hopes that a shift in momentum will come soon.

Monroe’s Dominance

On the other hand, Monroe has been an impressive force this season. They have yet to lose a game, boasting a perfect 5-0 record. Their district performance is equally strong at 1-0, and their non-league play is flawless with a 4-0 record. Monroe’s offensive output is formidable, averaging 68 points per game—nearly double the scoring output of Newport Bellevue.

The team’s consistency in scoring across all four quarters has been evident. With an average of 20 points in the first quarter, they set the tone early in games, and their 16-20-15 point distribution across the subsequent periods shows their ability to maintain pressure on their opponents. Monroe’s most recent victories have been against teams like Cedarcrest and Jackson, where they showcased strong performances, winning 64-37 and 72-53, respectively.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Although Newport Bellevue and Monroe have yet to face off this season, their performances against common opponents provide some insight. Newport Bellevue lost to Cedarcrest on December 10, 2024, by a score of 53-41, whereas Monroe had a more dominant performance against the same team, securing a 64-37 win on November 30, 2024. Monroe also triumphed over Jackson, with a decisive 72-53 victory on December 3, 2024, while Newport Bellevue will meet Jackson later in January 2025.

Home and Away Records

Another notable difference between these two teams is their performance at home and on the road. Newport Bellevue has struggled away from home, with a 0-5 record in away games, while Monroe has remained unbeaten on the road (3-0). Both teams will be looking to solidify their home court advantages as the season continues, with Newport Bellevue hoping to find their first win in front of their home crowd.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, Newport Bellevue and Monroe will each have their eyes set on improving their records. For Newport Bellevue, the goal is clear: break the losing streak and build momentum, especially as they continue to face teams like Jackson and Cedarcrest in the coming weeks. Monroe, on the other hand, looks poised to continue their dominant form, with their undefeated record and impressive scoring potential making them a team to watch.

With several matchups still on the horizon, including a showdown between Newport Bellevue and Jackson in late January, both teams will need to stay sharp as they work toward their goals. The contrasting fortunes of these two teams—one struggling to find its first win and the other striving to maintain perfection—are sure to make for an exciting season of Washington high school basketball.