As the 2024-2025 West Virginia high school basketball season unfolds, Oak Hill and Riverside are gearing up for an exciting series of matchups. Both teams have had their share of struggles early in the season, but their performances offer a glimpse into what could be an exciting rivalry as the year progresses. Here’s a closer look at how each team is performing and what to expect when these two face off.

Team Records: Oak Hill vs Riverside

Oak Hill’s varsity basketball team has had a tough start to the season with an overall record of 0-1. They are still searching for their first win of the season after falling short in their opening game, where they scored 47 points while allowing 55. Riverside, on the other hand, has fared slightly worse, with a 0-2 record so far. Their opening games have seen them score a total of 103 points but allow 116, indicating some early defensive struggles. Both teams are currently sitting at 0-1 in their respective regions.

Scoring Averages: Riverside Shows Consistency

Looking at the teams’ scoring averages, Riverside has been the more consistent team across all four quarters. The team averages 15 points in the first quarter, with slight drops in the second (12.0), third (12.5), and fourth (12.0) quarters, ultimately averaging 51.5 points per game. In contrast, Oak Hill has yet to post a full-game scoring breakdown for the season, but they are averaging 47 points per game overall.

Team Leaders: Strong Performances from Both Teams

Individual player performances have been notable for both teams early in the season. Oak Hill’s Brycen Slack leads the team in points per game with an average of 11.0, and he also contributes 1.0 block per game. Meanwhile, Riverside’s Isaiah Coles has been a standout, averaging 8.0 assists per game and 8.0 steals per game, both of which are key statistical categories. Coles also leads Riverside in rebounds with 5.0 per game.

For Riverside, Coles’ well-rounded game has been a major factor in their performances. However, both teams are looking for others to step up and complement their leaders.

Upcoming Matchups: Rivalry Begins to Heat Up

The first head-to-head matchup of the season between Oak Hill and Riverside is set for today, with Oak Hill traveling to Riverside for a non-conference game at 7:00 PM. This early game will set the tone for their season series and offer a chance for both teams to secure their first win.

The return game is scheduled for Saturday, January 18th, with Riverside visiting Oak Hill at 2:00 PM. This will be another critical non-conference matchup as both teams aim to improve their records and build momentum as the season progresses.

Common Opponents

Both teams will also face off against several common opponents, which could provide additional insights into their relative strengths and weaknesses. These include matchups against Spring Valley, St. Albans, and Hurricane. Both Oak Hill and Riverside will have opportunities to gauge their progress as they battle familiar foes.

Looking Ahead: Keys to Success for Oak Hill and Riverside

For Oak Hill, improving their offense will be crucial to their success in upcoming games. Their scoring has been inconsistent, and they’ll need to find ways to capitalize on their scoring opportunities and improve their overall offensive flow.

Riverside, meanwhile, must focus on tightening up their defense. Allowing 116 points in two games is a major concern, and they’ll need to figure out how to stop opposing offenses from running away with games. If they can shore up their defensive strategy, Riverside could prove to be a formidable force this season.

Conclusion

The Oak Hill vs Riverside basketball rivalry is still in its early stages, but both teams have the potential to make a splash in the region. With Oak Hill searching for their first win and Riverside looking to improve on their 0-2 start, their matchups will be crucial for both teams as they seek to get back on track. As the season unfolds, both teams will hope for improvement in key areas, and fans can look forward to an exciting contest when these two schools meet on the court.