The Olentangy Orange (Lewis Center, OH) varsity basketball team will host a conference game against Upper Arlington (Columbus, OH) today at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to Basketball know:

What: Ohio High School Basketball
Who: Olentangy Orange vs Upper Arlington
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Upper Arlington vs. Olentangy Orange: A High-Stakes Rivalry in the 2024-2025 Basketball Season

The 2024-2025 basketball season is shaping up to be an exciting one, particularly for the varsity basketball teams of Upper Arlington and Olentangy Orange. With both teams making waves early in the season, the upcoming conference matchups will be crucial in shaping the standings and determining who will come out on top in this heated rivalry.

Team Overview

Upper Arlington (Columbus, OH) comes into this season with a solid record of 2-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play. Their performance on the court has been marked by consistent offense, with the team averaging 50.3 points per game. However, they have shown some vulnerability in away games, having a 0-1 record on the road. The Golden Bears have showcased their ability to score early and often, with their highest-scoring quarter being the second, where they average 16.0 points per game. Despite their relatively small sample size, Upper Arlington’s ability to maintain competitiveness in tough matchups has been impressive.

Olentangy Orange (Lewis Center, OH), on the other hand, is coming off an undefeated start to the season with a perfect 5-0 record overall and 2-0 in conference play. The Pioneers have been dominant offensively, with an average of 70.2 points per game. Their consistency across all four quarters has been noteworthy, with a particularly strong performance in the third and fourth quarters, averaging 20.5 and 18.5 points, respectively. This all-around scoring threat has allowed Olentangy Orange to maintain their perfect record and set high expectations for their future matchups.

Game Preview

The upcoming game between these two teams is set for February 7, 2025, at 7:30 PM at Upper Arlington High School. This game will be a significant one for both teams as they look to continue their strong seasons and potentially secure a conference title. For Upper Arlington, this will be a pivotal home game where they will look to improve their performance against a top-tier opponent. Meanwhile, Olentangy Orange will be aiming to keep their undefeated streak alive and make a statement as the dominant team in the conference.

Common Opponents and Record Breakdown

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents this season, providing a closer look at how they compare against shared competition.

• Upper Arlington and Olentangy Orange both faced Hilliard Bradley early in the season. Upper Arlington secured a 44-40 victory on December 6, 2024, while Olentangy Orange will face Bradley later in the season.
• Both teams also took on Olentangy Liberty, with Upper Arlington suffering a 59-47 defeat on December 11, 2024, while Olentangy Orange will face Liberty in upcoming games, looking to extend their perfect conference record.
• The Dublin Coffman matchup saw Olentangy Orange earn a 68-66 win on December 13, 2024, while Upper Arlington has yet to face Coffman but will do so in early 2025.

These shared matchups provide some insight into how each team is performing relative to similar competition, and how these games may impact their upcoming contest.

Scoring Averages: A Tale of Two Teams

Upper Arlington has shown they can score efficiently in the first half of games, averaging 14.0 points in the first quarter and 16.0 in the second quarter. However, their scoring tends to dip a bit after halftime, averaging 10.0 points in the third quarter and 10.3 in the fourth quarter. This trend will be something to watch as they prepare for a tough opponent in Olentangy Orange.

In contrast, Olentangy Orange has been a second-half powerhouse, averaging 20.5 points in the third quarter and 18.5 points in the fourth quarter. Their balanced scoring attack across all four quarters, coupled with their strong finish, makes them a formidable opponent. They have proven themselves to be particularly dangerous in the second half, which could be crucial as the game goes on.

The Rivalry Intensifies

Both Upper Arlington and Olentangy Orange are eager to prove themselves in this conference rivalry, with the stakes only getting higher as the season progresses. The game on February 7, 2025, promises to be an exciting contest, with Upper Arlington looking to defend their home court and Olentangy Orange aiming to continue their unbeaten run. Fans can expect a high-intensity game full of strategic plays and individual brilliance from both sides.

As the two teams prepare for their meeting, the stats and trends point toward an intriguing matchup, with Olentangy Orange’s offensive firepower against Upper Arlington’s home advantage. This game could very well serve as a preview of the intense playoff battles to come.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Upper Arlington and Olentangy Orange continues to grow, with both teams showcasing talent and determination early in the 2024-2025 season. Whether Upper Arlington can bounce back from their road struggles or Olentangy Orange will remain undefeated is anyone’s guess. With both teams bringing their best to the court, this matchup is one basketball fans won’t want to miss.