The Steward (Richmond, VA) varsity basketball team will play a neutral non-conference game against Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, MD) on Friday, December 27, at 12:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Our Lady of Good Counsel vs Steward
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 12:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Our Lady of Good Counsel vs Steward

As the 2024-2025 Virginia high school basketball season continues to unfold, two teams—Our Lady of Good Counsel and The Steward School—have been making waves. Both teams have seen contrasting results in their overall performance, yet they remain exciting contenders in their respective divisions. Let’s take a closer look at how both schools are faring this season, highlighting their strengths, scoring averages, and key players.

Our Lady of Good Counsel (MD)

Record Overview
Our Lady of Good Counsel’s record for the 2024-2025 season stands at 4-5, with a .444 win percentage. The team has struggled in regional play, sitting at 0-2, but has shown resilience on neutral ground, boasting a 1-0 record. While their overall performance has been mixed, they have proven themselves competitive in high-level matchups.

Scoring and Key Stats
Good Counsel’s team is averaging 60.4 points per game, with a strong first quarter scoring rate of 18.0 points. However, they tend to struggle in the later parts of the game, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they average just 7.0 points. Despite these challenges, the team remains focused on improving its efficiency in the latter stages of matches.

Notable Players

• Xavier Nelson: Averaging 18.4 points per game and 12.7 rebounds per game, Nelson has been the standout player for Good Counsel this season. His dominance in the paint is undeniable and will be crucial in upcoming matchups.
• Lj Vaughan: Vaughan, with 4.3 assists per game and 1.9 steals per game, has been pivotal in facilitating Good Counsel’s offense and defense, providing leadership and playmaking.

The Steward School (VA)

Record Overview
Steward has been in exceptional form, holding a 6-1 overall record and a perfect 1.000 win percentage in regional play. The team has been dominant, especially at home, with an undefeated record of 3-0. Their balanced approach to both offense and defense has contributed to their success so far.

Scoring and Key Stats
Steward is averaging 65.1 points per game, showcasing their offensive prowess with a consistent 16.3 points in each of the first three quarters. The team excels in the fourth quarter, averaging 16.9 points, which helps them close out games effectively.

Notable Players

• Xavier Nelson: While both teams feature this standout, Steward’s Nelson (not to be confused with Good Counsel’s Xavier Nelson) contributes 5.2 points per game and 2.8 rebounds per game, playing a vital role in the team’s solid start to the season.
• Landus Stewart: Known for his defensive abilities, Stewart has contributed significantly with 1.1 blocks per game, adding a layer of protection under the basket for Steward.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents, with Steward holding a 1-0 advantage in these matchups. For example, Steward triumphed over Saint John Paul the Great Catholic in a 56-41 victory on December 12, 2024, while Our Lady of Good Counsel is set to meet the same team on January 25, 2025. This upcoming game will be a key test for Good Counsel as they look to match up against a common opponent with a similar record.

Key Differences and Team Comparisons

• Scoring: Steward outperforms Good Counsel in scoring, averaging 65.1 points per game compared to Good Counsel’s 60.4 points.
• Rebounding and Assists: Good Counsel leads in rebounds per game (35.9 compared to Steward’s 32.0), while Steward has a slight edge in assists (13.4 per game compared to Good Counsel’s 11.0).
• Defense: Steward is more aggressive in steals (8.0 per game vs. Good Counsel’s 5.0), though Good Counsel’s Landus Stewart adds a defensive presence with 1.1 blocks per game.

What’s Next?

Both teams are poised for interesting matchups as the season progresses. Our Lady of Good Counsel will look to capitalize on their rebounding advantage and tighten up their scoring in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Steward’s offense will aim to continue its strong start, maintaining their undefeated regional record.

As these teams prepare for the remainder of the season, all eyes will be on their head-to-head performances and how they fare against their common opponents. For now, the competitive spirit in Virginia high school basketball remains as exciting as ever, and both teams are set to make an impact in their respective divisions.