The North Eugene varsity basketball team (Eugene, OR) will face North Medford (Medford, OR) in a neutral, non-conference matchup on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. as part of the Silverton Tournament at Silverton High School.

Here’s what you need to know Basketball:

What: Oregon High School Basketball
Who: North Eugene vs North Medford
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 5:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

North Medford vs. North Eugene: A Comparison of Two Competitive Basketball Programs

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, two schools in Oregon, North Medford and North Eugene, are carving out their paths to success. With both teams having strong records and talented rosters, it’s worth taking a closer look at how they stack up against each other in various key metrics, including overall performance, scoring averages, and team statistics.

Team Records and Overall Performance

North Medford enters the season with a solid record of 2-2, split evenly between wins and losses. Their performances have been consistent across home, away, and neutral venues, showing their adaptability in different settings. With 266 points scored and 245 points allowed, their point differential suggests a competitive, though balanced, team.

North Eugene, on the other hand, is boasting a much stronger record at 4-1. Their dominance is especially notable on the road, where they hold a perfect 3-0 record. Scoring 304 points and conceding just 224, their point differential shows a more pronounced ability to control the game.

Team Scoring Averages

When looking at scoring averages, North Medford leads with an average of 66.5 points per game. However, this team’s scoring is more spread out, with no significant surge in any one quarter. Their scoring consistency is evident as they maintain solid points across each period. In comparison, North Eugene has a slightly lower average of 60.8 points per game, but they tend to start strong, especially in the first and second quarters, with 18.3 and 17.7 points per period, respectively. Their ability to close out games, though, sees a slight dip, with just 11.7 points in the fourth quarter.

Stat Comparison: Key Areas of Strength

Looking deeper into the statistics, North Medford excels in several categories. They average 24.5 rebounds per game, significantly more than North Eugene’s 29.2 rebounds per game. This shows North Eugene’s edge in controlling the boards, which could translate to more second-chance opportunities. However, North Medford is stronger in the assist department, averaging 14.8 assists per game, slightly ahead of North Eugene’s 14.2.

North Eugene holds a notable advantage in steals with 11.0 steals per game, compared to North Medford’s 7.5 steals per game. Additionally, North Eugene’s defense appears more formidable, with 4.8 blocks per game, compared to North Medford’s 1.8 blocks. This indicates a more aggressive defensive strategy by North Eugene, which can lead to more fast-break opportunities.

Team Leaders and Individual Performances

Each team boasts standout players who lead in key statistical categories. North Medford‘s Easton Curtis is their top scorer, averaging 18.8 points per game, while Traeger Healy contributes significantly in rebounds, with 5.3 per game, and assists, with 3.8. For North Eugene, Jordan Gray is the team’s leading scorer at 14.4 points per game, and Damon Keith is a force on the boards, grabbing 6.2 rebounds per game. Additionally, Grant Harris leads in both assists (4.0) and steals (1.8).

Common Opponents

Both teams face similar competition, but North Eugene has performed well against common opponents. With victories over teams like South Eugene (68-59) and Willamette (69-32), they hold a 2-0 record against mutual adversaries, whereas North Medford has yet to face these teams in the current season, with a 0-0 record.

Breakdown by Venue

Breaking down performance by venue reveals some key insights. North Medford has shown a solid home-court advantage, but they have struggled more on the road, reflected in their even 1-1 record away. Conversely, North Eugene has been dominant in away games, holding a 3-0 record on the road. Both teams are yet to face off in neutral venues, so that will be an exciting dynamic to watch as the season progresses.

Conclusion

Both North Medford and North Eugene have strong, competitive teams with different strengths. While North Medford boasts higher scoring per game and a notable assist rate, North Eugene appears to have the edge in defense, particularly with their steals and blocks. Their road performance and early-game dominance further suggest they are a team to be reckoned with as the season continues. With key matchups on the horizon, such as against Crater and Roseburg, the stage is set for an exciting showdown between these two schools as they battle for supremacy in Oregon basketball.