The Bishop O’Connell varsity basketball team (Arlington, VA) will play a neutral tournament game against Socastee (Myrtle Beach, SC) on Friday, December 27, at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Socastee vs Bishop O’Connell
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: ocastee vs Bishop O’Connell

As the high school basketball season progresses, two teams stand out for their impressive records and strong performances—Socastee High School from South Carolina and Bishop O’Connell High School from Virginia. Let’s break down the key statistics and highlights from their current seasons, providing insight into what makes each team a formidable contender.

Socastee High School (24-25 Season)

Record: 7-4
Win Percentage: .636 (Overall)

Socastee has had a solid season, boasting a 7-4 overall record. The team has found success particularly on their home court, with a 4-1 record. However, they face challenges on the road, posting a 3-2 away record and a 0-1 neutral site performance. With an average of 51.5 points per game (PPG), they remain competitive, especially in the second half, where they score an average of 14.3 points in the final quarter.

Key Team Stats:

• Points Per Game: 40.5
• Rebounds Per Game: 23.8
• Assists Per Game: 5.2
• Steals Per Game: 3.8
• Blocks Per Game: 1.4

Team Leaders:

• Bryson Sams leads the team with an impressive 20.9 points per game (PPG), showing his offensive prowess.
• Joshua Brown is the standout in rebounds, averaging 8.1 per game, and also contributes 2.1 assists.
• Jase Wethington adds defensive value, recording 1.0 blocks per game.

Socastee has a balanced offense with an ability to produce in the later stages of games. Their defense is also solid, but they will need to improve their rebounding and playmaking to continue their success in tough matchups.

Bishop O’Connell High School (24-25 Season)

Record: 7-3
Win Percentage: .700 (Overall)

Bishop O’Connell has had a slightly better overall record, standing at 7-3. Their perfect 4-0 away record is particularly notable, indicating they are a strong team on the road. At home, they are equally dominant, with a 3-0 record. The team averages 59.7 points per game, significantly higher than Socastee, with a notable scoring presence in the first and fourth quarters.

Key Team Stats:

• Points Per Game: 59.7
• Rebounds Per Game: 32.7
• Assists Per Game: 9.4
• Steals Per Game: 7.9
• Blocks Per Game: 3.3

Team Leaders:

• Darius Bivins leads the charge for Bishop O’Connell, scoring 13.4 points per game and excelling in multiple areas, including 2.7 assists per game and 1.9 steals.
• Liam Koelsch contributes significantly with 6.0 rebounds per game, providing solid support in the paint.
• Bivins also leads the team with 1.9 steals per game, showing his defensive capability alongside his offensive skills.

Bishop O’Connell has an explosive offense, averaging nearly 60 points per game, and they shine defensively, with an average of 7.9 steals and 3.3 blocks per game. Their team play is efficient, particularly in ball movement, as they average 9.4 assists per game.

Comparing the Two Teams

When comparing these two teams, several key differences emerge:

• Scoring: Bishop O’Connell outperforms Socastee in scoring, averaging nearly 60 points per game compared to Socastee’s 51.5. This offensive efficiency, combined with a strong fourth-quarter scoring average, makes Bishop O’Connell a dangerous team in high-pressure situations.
• Defense: While both teams are strong defensively, Bishop O’Connell has the upper hand in steals and blocks, averaging 7.9 steals and 3.3 blocks per game. Socastee, with 3.8 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, will need to step up their defensive efforts to contain Bishop O’Connell’s offensive firepower.
• Rebounding and Assists: Bishop O’Connell dominates in rebounding, averaging 32.7 per game compared to Socastee’s 23.8. They also lead in assists, with 9.4 per game, showcasing their more cohesive team play.

Record Breakdown

• Socastee’s Record:
  • Home: 4-1
  • Away: 3-2
  • Neutral: 0-1
  • Non-League: 6-2
  • In-State: 6-4
• Bishop O’Connell’s Record:
  • Home: 3-0
  • Away: 4-0
  • Neutral: 0-3
  • Non-League: 4-3
  • In-State: 1-0

Both teams are undefeated in their respective home arenas, but Bishop O’Connell’s success on the road is noteworthy, and their overall record reflects a well-balanced team with a mix of solid offense and strong defense.

Conclusion

Both Socastee and Bishop O’Connell are performing well this season and are poised to make deep runs in their respective leagues. While Bishop O’Connell’s balanced offensive and defensive play might give them the edge in high-stakes games, Socastee’s strong individual performances and ability to close games in the second half should not be underestimated. As the season unfolds, these two teams will surely provide exciting matchups and continue to push each other to perform at their best.