As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season hits its stride, two teams from the Washington, D.C. area continue to captivate fans with their impressive performances and fierce rivalry: Our Lady of Good Counsel (OLGC) from Olney, Maryland, and Bishop O’Connell from Arlington, Virginia. With the intensity building and a matchup on the horizon, we take a closer look at the season so far for these two schools.

Season Overview

• Our Lady of Good Counsel:
  • Overall Record: 10-10
  • Region Record: 2-5
  • Points Per Game (PPG): 61.3
  • Points Allowed (PA): 1,288
  • Top Scorer: Darius Bivins (12.4 PPG)
• Bishop O’Connell:
  • Overall Record: 17-5
  • Region Record: 5-2
  • Points Per Game (PPG): 64.3
  • Points Allowed (PA): 1,101
  • Top Scorer: Darius Bivins (12.4 PPG)

Though OLGC and Bishop O’Connell have faced their own challenges this season, both teams are well-positioned to make a significant impact as the playoffs approach. Bishop O’Connell enters the matchup with an impressive overall record of 17-5, and their top-notch defense has been a key to their success, allowing fewer points per game than OLGC.

On the other hand, OLGC has had its ups and downs, but with standout performances from Darius Bivins, they’ve remained competitive despite facing tough competition. With a 10-10 record, the team has been striving to find consistency in their performance, particularly in their region matchups.

Team Performance and Key Players

When breaking down the two teams’ scoring averages, it’s clear both teams thrive on fast-paced basketball, with OLGC averaging 63.6 points per game and Bishop O’Connell slightly ahead at 64.3 PPG. However, while Bishop O’Connell’s overall scoring efficiency has led to more wins, OLGC has been more consistent in the rebounding category, with Wyatt Norton leading the team with 5.6 rebounds per game.

In terms of defense, both teams are adept at stealing the ball, with OLGC averaging 9.9 steals per game, led by Bivins (2.5 SPG). Bishop O’Connell’s defense is more well-rounded, with solid performances in blocks (2.9 BPG) and steals (9.0 SPG).

Recent Head-to-Head Showdown

The most recent meeting between the two teams occurred on December 10, 2024, when Bishop O’Connell secured a 62-53 victory on the road at OLGC. Despite a valiant effort by the OLGC team, Bishop O’Connell’s offense and defense proved to be too much. The win gave Bishop O’Connell an important victory in the rivalry, and the rematch on January 31, 2025, will surely be a highly anticipated affair.

Common Opponents

Looking at the common opponents both teams have faced this season, Bishop O’Connell has a stronger record overall, with a 5-2 record against shared rivals, while OLGC is 3-4 against the same schools. Both teams suffered losses to powerhouse teams like Gonzaga and Archbishop Carroll but have had more success against other opponents. For example, OLGC recently beat Bishop Ireton (77-60), while Bishop O’Connell bested Saint John Paul the Great Catholic (73-35) and St. Mary’s Ryken (72-30).

These matchups highlight the difference in both teams’ ability to capitalize on strengths. Bishop O’Connell has shown more dominance against some top-tier schools, while OLGC has managed solid wins, particularly in the second half of the season.

Looking Ahead

The next matchup between OLGC and Bishop O’Connell will take place on January 31, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at Bishop O’Connell’s gymnasium. This game is crucial for both teams, as they continue to build momentum heading into the postseason. With both teams eager to prove themselves, it’s expected to be an exciting and highly competitive contest.

OLGC will look to bounce back after their previous loss and end the season strong, while Bishop O’Connell will aim to solidify its position as a contender for a regional championship. Key players such as Darius Bivins, Wyatt Norton, and Liam Koelsch from OLGC, and Bishop O’Connell’s top performers, including their own Darius Bivins, will play crucial roles in determining the outcome.

The stakes are high, and fans of high school basketball in the D.C. area will not want to miss what promises to be an electrifying game as these two local rivals clash once again.