The Niles North varsity basketball team (Skokie, IL) will host Highland Park (IL) in a home conference game on Friday, January 31, at 7 p.m.
Niles North vs Highland Park Game Info:
What: Illinois High School Basketball
Who: Niles North (IL) vs Highland Park (IL)
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Niles North vs Highland Park
As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season unfolds, the matchup between Highland Park and Niles North is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated games. Both teams have showcased impressive performances, but when it comes to the head-to-head battle, there is much more at stake than just the win column.
Highland Park: A Solid Record with Room for Improvement
Highland Park’s basketball team is entering this contest with a solid 14-7 overall record, including a 5-2 mark in conference play. Their home court advantage has been strong, as they boast a 7-1 record at home. However, the road hasn’t been as kind to them, with a 3-4 record in away games. The team’s scoring average of 51.3 points per game suggests a balanced attack, but they’ll need to improve in key moments to take down top-tier competition like Niles North.
Niles North: Unbeaten in Conference Play
Niles North, on the other hand, has been nothing short of dominant this season. With a 19-5 overall record, they are perfect in conference play at 7-0. Their scoring offense averages 72.5 points per game, significantly higher than Highland Park’s, with a particularly strong performance in the third quarter where they average 17.9 points. Their ability to rack up points and close out games has been a key factor in their success. Niles North’s strong performances away from home (7-2) add to their overall dominance, but it will be interesting to see if they can carry that energy into this home game against a determined Highland Park squad.
Head-to-Head: Niles North Draws First Blood
In their first meeting of the season on December 20, Niles North bested Highland Park with a commanding 57-44 victory. While the scoreline indicates a relatively comfortable win, it was a battle that showed both teams’ strengths and weaknesses. Niles North’s depth and scoring ability were on full display, but Highland Park will be looking to adjust and challenge their rivals in the upcoming January 31 game.
Common Opponents: Both Teams Have Shown Strength
Both teams have shared several common opponents this season, and they’ve fared similarly against them. Highland Park holds a 6-1 record against common opponents, while Niles North remains undefeated with a perfect 6-0 record. However, it’s worth noting that Niles North has also dominated these matchups with larger margins of victory, including a blowout win over Maine East (90-40) and a dominant 86-40 victory against Maine West. This high-powered offense has helped them secure impressive wins, setting the stage for a challenging game against Highland Park.
Scoring Averages: A Contrast in Styles
The contrast in scoring styles between these two teams is striking. Highland Park tends to have a more balanced approach to scoring, averaging 12.0 points in the first quarter, then slowing down with a lower average in the second quarter before picking up the pace in the third. Meanwhile, Niles North consistently puts up strong numbers throughout the game, particularly in the third and fourth quarters, where they average 17.9 and 14.9 points, respectively.
What to Expect in the January 31 Showdown
With the next matchup between Highland Park and Niles North scheduled for Friday, January 31, the stakes are high. Highland Park will be aiming to avenge their earlier defeat and improve upon their road record. Niles North, with their unbeaten conference record and potent offense, will look to continue their dominance and stay atop the conference standings. Fans can expect a fast-paced, high-intensity game as both teams battle for supremacy.
Conclusion
The game between Highland Park and Niles North on January 31 is not just another regular-season matchup. With both teams showcasing impressive records and contrasting styles of play, this game will be a crucial test of each team’s abilities as they move toward the second half of the season. While Niles North enters as the favorite, Highland Park is sure to give them a run for their money, making this a must-watch game for fans of high school basketball.
