The North Andover (MA) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Andover (MA) today at 6:30 p.m.
North Andover vs Andover Game Info:
What: Massachusetts High School Basketball
Who: North Andover (MA) vs Andover (MA)
When: Friday, January 3, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: North Andover High School
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: North Andover vs Andover
As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season continues, two of the premier teams in the Merrimack Valley are set to clash: Andover and North Andover. With the game scheduled for today, January 4, 2025, at 6:30 PM at North Andover’s gym, the rivalry between these two programs is on full display, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Andover’s Perfect Start
The Andover basketball team has been dominant so far, finishing with a perfect record of 7-0. Their performance in both league and non-league games has been impressive, outscoring opponents by a significant margin. With a league record of 1-0, Andover’s offense has been potent, averaging 59.3 points per game while holding opponents to 362 total points, demonstrating their defensive prowess as well.
Notable victories have come against strong teams like Haverhill, Methuen, Central Catholic, and most recently, Chelmsford, proving that Andover is not only a title contender but a team that can rise to the occasion in tough matchups.
North Andover Looking for Momentum
North Andover, on the other hand, has experienced a mixed season. The team currently holds a 2-2 record, with a league mark of 1-2. The Knights’ season has been a roller coaster of ups and downs, but they will look to bounce back and gain confidence against a top-tier team like Andover. Averaging 52.3 points per game, North Andover’s scoring has been less potent than their rivals, and they’ll need to step up offensively if they hope to compete.
Despite their early-season struggles, the Knights have shown resilience in key matchups, including a narrow victory over Lawrence and a solid win over Haverhill. This game against Andover could be the turning point in their season, offering a chance to make a statement.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
The head-to-head battle between these teams is always intense. In the upcoming matchup, Andover enters as the heavy favorite with their undefeated record, while North Andover will look to use their home-court advantage to pull off an upset. A key factor in this game will be the performance of both teams’ star players and the ability to execute in high-pressure situations.
Both teams have faced several common opponents, and Andover has been dominant, posting a 4-0 record against them. In contrast, North Andover has a 2-2 record against those same teams. Andover has defeated Haverhill, Methuen, Central Catholic, and Chelmsford, while North Andover has had mixed results, including a loss to Central Catholic and a tough defeat to Lowell. The upcoming matchups with common opponents like Methuen, Lowell, and Central Catholic will further define the season for both teams.
What’s at Stake
For Andover, maintaining their perfect record and solidifying their dominance in the league is crucial as they march toward the postseason. With several key games coming up, including a highly anticipated rematch with North Andover on February 7, they will be aiming for consistency and a deep playoff run.
For North Andover, tonight’s game is an opportunity to turn around their season. A win against the undefeated Andover team would give them a much-needed boost, and if they can build on that success, they might just surprise some teams in the coming weeks.
The Bottom Line
As the rivalry between Andover and North Andover heats up, all eyes will be on tonight’s matchup. Andover’s explosive offense and stout defense will be challenged by North Andover’s determination to prove themselves. Will Andover remain undefeated, or will North Andover turn the tide in their favor? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this game will be one to remember in the Merrimack Valley basketball scene.
