The Sumner (WA) varsity basketball team will play a home non-conference game against Olympia (WA) today at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Basketball
Who: Olympia vs Sumner
When: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Olympia vs Sumner

The 2024-2025 high school basketball season in Washington is heating up, with both Olympia and Sumner showcasing impressive records and strong performances. As both teams push toward the playoffs, their head-to-head matchups and statistics provide insight into what makes each of these teams a powerhouse in their district.

Olympia’s Strong Start

With a stellar 11-2 overall record and an undefeated district performance of 4-0, Olympia is showing they are one of the top teams in the state. They’ve been particularly dominant at home, with a 6-1 record, and their overall win percentage of .846 is a testament to their consistency. Olympia’s scoring averages are also remarkable, with an average of 64.3 points per game, split across solid scoring performances in every quarter (Q1: 14.3, Q2: 21.0, Q3: 16.3, Q4: 17.0).

The team’s success has been highlighted by notable victories against tough opponents. Wins against teams like Spanaway Lake, Bonney Lake, and Graham-Kapowsin underscore their strength, with standout performances from players who’ve contributed significantly to their success. Olympia has shown resilience, closing out games strong, with a well-rounded offensive attack.

Sumner’s Competitive Edge

Sumner, while slightly behind Olympia with a 9-4 overall record and a 6-3 district mark, has had an equally strong showing this season. Their scoring is near identical to Olympia’s, with an average of 64.2 points per game. Sumner has been especially effective in the early quarters, scoring 20.0 points in Q1 and 20.7 points in Q2. Their later quarters see a slight dip (Q3: 21.3, Q4: 16.0), but they consistently keep games competitive.

Sumner’s ability to perform well in district matchups has kept them in the hunt for a top spot, despite a slightly tougher road schedule (5-2 away and 4-2 in neutral games). They’ve faced some tough losses, including a recent defeat to Curtis and Emerald Ridge, but their impressive wins against teams like Bonney Lake and Rogers have showcased their potential for a deep postseason run.

Head-to-Head: A Battle of Equals

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, and their records against common opponents show a clear parallel in strength. Olympia has dominated all of their common opponents, going 8-0, while Sumner holds a respectable 6-3 record. A closer look at their individual results further highlights the competitiveness of both teams:

• Olympia’s 64-49 win over Spanaway Lake (12/4/24) was followed by Sumner’s 65-61 victory over the same team just a month later (1/9/25).
• Similarly, Olympia outmatched Bonney Lake 70-47 (12/6/24), while Sumner defeated them 86-48 (1/7/25).

Despite a few slip-ups, such as Sumner’s loss to Curtis and Emerald Ridge, the teams have displayed resilience in their matchups, and the rivalry is setting up for an exciting finish.

Team Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Olympia’s defense has been a critical factor in their success this season. With a points allowed average of just 606 for the season, their ability to shut down opponents has kept them consistently ahead. Offensively, the team has been well-balanced, with strong performances across all four quarters.

Sumner’s success hinges on their offensive consistency. Their ability to generate points in the first half of games has given them an early advantage, though they will need to work on closing out games in the final quarters, as their scoring has sometimes dipped in the second half.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?

As the season progresses, Olympia and Sumner will continue their push toward the playoffs. Olympia looks poised to maintain their dominance, with a strong district performance and a clear scoring advantage. Sumner, however, is not far behind, and with a few adjustments to their strategy, especially in the second half of games, they could challenge Olympia for the top spot in the district.

The next few matchups, especially the head-to-head games, will be crucial in determining the final rankings and setting the stage for a thrilling postseason. Fans of both teams will be eagerly watching as the two teams continue to battle for supremacy in Washington high school basketball.

This article highlights the current standings, key matchups, and individual team strengths, offering a comprehensive look at the basketball rivalry between Olympia and Sumner as both teams aim for postseason success.