The Northern Valley (Almena, KS) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Weskan (KS) today at 7:30 p.m.

Northern Valley vs Weskan Game Info:

What: Iowa High School Basketball
Who: Northern Valley (IA) vs Weskan (IA)
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Northern Valley vs Weskan

The 2024-2025 basketball season has showcased impressive performances from various teams, including Weskan, Northern Valley, Quinter, and Greeley County. Each team brings unique strengths to the court, with standout players and a solid record so far. Let’s take a closer look at their statistics, team leaders, and head-to-head comparisons.

Weskan vs. Northern Valley: A Competitive Rivalry

Weskan has been a dominant force this season, boasting a perfect 5-0 record overall and an undefeated home record of 3-0. Their offensive prowess is reflected in their impressive 70.4 points per game, led by standout player Trey Allen, who averages 30.8 points per game. Allen is also the team’s leader in rebounds (13.0), steals (3.8), and assists (5.2), showcasing his versatility.

Northern Valley, while not undefeated, has also been a strong contender, posting a 4-1 overall record and 1-0 in league play. Their standout player, Gavin Thalheim, leads the team with 15.4 points per game and 5.2 steals. The team’s defense is strong, with 12.8 steals per game, and they maintain a solid 49 points per game on offense.

The two teams will meet again during the season, but their shared opponents, like Wheatland-Grinnell and Triplains/Brewster, have seen victories from both sides. The competition between Weskan and Northern Valley remains fierce, with each team showcasing its strengths in different areas.

Quinter vs. Greeley County: A Growing Rivalry

Quinter and Greeley County have also shown strong performances in the 2024-2025 season, with Quinter holding a 3-1 overall record and Greeley County boasting a 4-1 mark. Both teams have demonstrated solid offensive output, but with differing styles.

Quinter scores 46.8 points per game, with Shea S. Salyers leading the charge, averaging 12.5 points per game. Salyers is also the team leader in rebounds (8.3) and blocks (1.0), contributing to both ends of the floor. Despite their strong performance, Quinter has struggled in some close games, including a narrow 39-37 loss to Dighton.

Greeley County, on the other hand, is putting up 65.6 points per game, with a dominant 30.7 points in the first quarter alone. Their scoring is more consistent across the game, and while they lack a clear individual standout like Weskan’s Trey Allen, they are solid across the board. Their defense is also noteworthy, with the team averaging 10.8 steals per game.

Quinter and Greeley County will have more opportunities to face off as the season progresses, with Quinter hosting games against teams like Rawlins County and Decatur Community, while Greeley County will take on Wallace County and St. Francis.

Statistical Breakdown

• Weskan: Averaging 70.4 points per game, Weskan is the highest-scoring team among the four. Their defense is solid, with 39.2 rebounds per game and 16.8 assists. Trey Allen leads the team in virtually every major statistical category, including points, rebounds, assists, and steals.
• Northern Valley: With 49.0 points per game, Northern Valley is competitive, though they rely more on their defensive game, averaging 12.8 steals per game. Gavin Thalheim is a key player, particularly in scoring and defense.
• Quinter: Scoring 46.8 points per game, Quinter is more modest offensively but compensates with strong rebounding (25.3 per game) and steady defense. Shea S. Salyers leads the team with 12.5 points per game and contributes significantly in rebounds.
• Greeley County: Their scoring is notably higher, at 65.6 points per game, largely thanks to a balanced team effort. They dominate in steals, averaging 10.8 per game, which is crucial to their defensive strategy.

Head-to-Head and Record Breakdown

When examining their record breakdowns:

• Weskan: 5-0 overall, undefeated at home (3-0) and a strong team with a focus on high-scoring games.
• Northern Valley: 4-1 overall, with one loss at home but a dominant 2-0 non-league record, showing their adaptability.
• Quinter: 3-1 overall, with a 3-1 in-state record, but their non-league games have seen more mixed results.
• Greeley County: 4-1 overall, with a perfect 3-0 out-of-state record, proving their strength beyond regional play.

Conclusion

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, these four teams—Weskan, Northern Valley, Quinter, and Greeley County—continue to impress with their individual talents and strong team dynamics. Whether it’s Weskan’s offensive firepower or Northern Valley’s defensive consistency, Quinter’s rebounding prowess, or Greeley County’s balanced attack, each team brings something unique to the court. With more head-to-head matchups and common opponents in the future, it will be exciting to see how the season unfolds and which team will emerge as the dominant force in the region.