The Northwestern Area (Mellette, SD) varsity basketball team will host a home conference game against Leola/Frederick (Leola, SD) on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 8:00 PM.
Game Details:
- Matchup: Leola/Frederick (CO-OP) vs. Northwestern Area High School (NAHS)
- Date & Time: Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- Live stream: Watch Here
- Live stream: Watch Here
Leola/Frederick vs. Northwestern Area: A Tale of Two Teams
The Leola/Frederick and Northwestern Area basketball teams have had markedly different seasons in the 2024-2025 school year, with each team coming into the year with distinct hopes and expectations. Here’s a breakdown of their performance so far, highlighting some key differences and common opponents that have defined their respective seasons.
Leola/Frederick: Dominance with a 12-1 Record
Leola/Frederick has shown impressive form in the 2024-2025 season, boasting a remarkable 12-1 record overall. Their performance in the region has been especially strong, with a perfect 5-0 mark in regional play. The team’s overall winning percentage sits at a solid .923, backed by an average of 66 points per game and a healthy +272 point differential (858 points scored, 586 points allowed). In fact, they have been dominant on both home (6-0) and away (5-0) games, showcasing their ability to perform in various environments.
The team has not only excelled in their league matchups but also against non-league opponents, going 7-1 in these contests. Common opponents have seen Leola/Frederick build a perfect 9-0 record against teams shared with Northwestern Area. Their victories include dominant performances such as a 70-28 win over Langford, a 77-68 win against Aberdeen Christian, and a commanding 81-51 win over Potter County co-op (Gettysburg/Hoven).
Despite a strong showing in their regular season, Leola/Frederick’s only loss came in a neutral-site game, but the team is poised for continued success heading into the final stretch of the season.
Northwestern Area: Struggling with Consistency
In contrast, Northwestern Area has faced significant challenges throughout their 2024-2025 season. With a 3-4 overall record, the team has yet to find consistent form, especially in regional play, where they have posted a 1-1 record. Their overall win percentage is a modest .429, with an average of 57.7 points per game, which is lower than that of Leola/Frederick. While their defense has been somewhat competitive (385 points allowed), their offense has struggled at times, which has contributed to their lack of consistency.
A closer look at their performance against common opponents highlights Northwestern Area’s struggles. The team has managed just a 1-3 record against these shared teams, with losses to Langford, Potter County co-op, and Ipswich, while securing a lone win over Wilmot. Their non-league performances have also been rocky, with a 2-3 record and an inability to secure consistent victories when traveling away.
Head-to-Head Matchups and Future Games
Interestingly, despite their contrasting performances, the teams have yet to meet in head-to-head competition in the 2024-2025 season. Leola/Frederick holds a distinct advantage based on their record against common opponents, going 9-0 compared to Northwestern Area’s 1-3. Future matchups will be crucial for both teams as they look to capitalize on their strengths and shore up their weaknesses.
Upcoming games include key matchups such as Leola/Frederick’s contests against teams like Britton-Hecla, Faulkton, and Warner. Northwestern Area, on the other hand, has important games against Aberdeen Christian, Waubay/Summit, and Webster. These games will determine not only their regional positioning but their chances at playoff success.
Conclusion
Leola/Frederick and Northwestern Area’s seasons highlight the importance of consistency and strong performances, both at home and on the road. While Leola/Frederick has impressed with their high win percentage and dominant play against common opponents, Northwestern Area will need to make significant adjustments to improve their play in upcoming games. The competition remains fierce in the region, and each team will need to deliver their best basketball to achieve their goals as the season progresses.
