As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season unfolds, two teams are generating significant attention due to their impressive performances: Nitro High School from West Virginia and Fairfax High School from Virginia. Let’s take a deep dive into their rankings, records, and statistical comparisons.

Nitro High School (WV)

Nitro is having a standout season, boasting an undefeated 5-0 record overall, with a perfect 3-0 in the region. Their excellent performance on both home and away courts has helped them gain recognition as one of the top teams in the area. They are particularly strong offensively, averaging 65 points per game, with notable contributions from players like Ty Stephens, who leads the team with an average of 16.2 points per game.

The team’s scoring breakdown shows their balanced attack:

• First Quarter: 17.5 points
• Second Quarter: 13.8 points
• Third Quarter: 15.0 points
• Fourth Quarter: 16.5 points This scoring consistency across all quarters reflects a well-rounded and potent offense. Additionally, Nitro excels in rebounds, averaging 33.4 per game, and they are also effective in creating assists (20 per game) and steals (8.4 per game).

Fairfax High School (VA)

Fairfax has posted a solid 5-2 record overall, with a 1-0 regional record. Their performance, while slightly more variable, remains impressive, especially given their tight games on both home and away courts. Fairfax averages 48.3 points per game, which is lower than Nitro’s, but they maintain a strong defense, allowing just 341 points over seven games.

Fairfax’s scoring distribution is as follows:

• First Quarter: 11.8 points
• Second Quarter: 12.0 points
• Third Quarter: 13.5 points
• Fourth Quarter: 13.5 points Although Fairfax’s scoring output is less consistent than Nitro’s, their team tends to pick up momentum in the second half of games. Players like Cam Yingling, who leads with 20.4 points per game, and Jackson Young, who averages 4.5 assists per game, play key roles in keeping the team competitive.

Statistical Comparison

Scoring:

• Nitro averages 65.0 points per game, far outpacing Fairfax’s 48.3 points per game.

Rebounding:

• Nitro also excels in rebounding with 33.4 per game compared to Fairfax’s 30.7. This edge in rebounds provides Nitro with more second-chance opportunities and contributes to their strong performances.

Assists & Steals:

• Nitro averages 20 assists per game, nearly doubling Fairfax’s 13.7. They also have a slight edge in steals (8.4 vs. 7.0), showing their ability to disrupt opponents and capitalize on turnovers.

Defense:

• Fairfax’s defense is still strong, with 11 steals and 3.7 blocks per game, indicating their ability to challenge shots and create turnovers. However, Nitro’s defensive stats remain robust, with Ty Stephens contributing 1.6 steals per game.

Team Leaders

• Nitro: Ty Stephens leads the team in scoring with 16.2 points per game, while Collin Crouch contributes 8.0 rebounds per game. Derek Lowe adds 5.4 assists per game to the mix.
• Fairfax: Cam Yingling is the standout player, averaging 20.4 points per game, followed by Jackson Young with 4.5 assists and Penn Morris contributing 3.3 steals per game.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

Although the two teams have not yet played each other, their records against common opponents and in non-league games will be interesting to watch as the season progresses. Nitro holds a perfect 5-0 record in-state, while Fairfax stands at 4-2, showing strong performances both at home and on the road.

Conclusion

The 2024-2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for both Nitro High School and Fairfax High School. Nitro’s high-scoring offense and well-rounded play make them a formidable opponent, while Fairfax’s defense and the leadership of Cam Yingling keep them competitive. As both teams continue their seasons, their upcoming games will provide even more insight into their potential matchups and their chances of success in their respective regions.