The Layton Christian Academy varsity basketball team (Layton, UT) will be playing a home conference game against Payson (UT) on Friday, January 24 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Payson vs Layton Christian Academy
When: Friday, January 24, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Payson vs Layton Christian Academy

As the Utah high school basketball season intensifies, two teams are making waves in their respective regions. Payson and Layton Christian Academy have been standout programs, each with a unique style and key players that have captured the attention of fans. This season, the two schools have crossed paths both in the regular season and on the court, showcasing their strengths and rivalries.

Payson High School: A Powerful Offensive Threat

Payson (24-25) has been impressive this season, holding a 13-3 overall record, with a strong regional performance of 2-1. Their team is built on offense, averaging 66.1 points per game. Key players like Legend Reynoso, who leads the team with 11.4 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game, have been essential to their success. Reynoso’s leadership on both ends of the floor, coupled with teammates like Quinn Buys (4.4 assists per game) and Zandon Theobald (2.1 steals per game), make Payson a formidable force.

Their scoring breakdown per quarter highlights their consistent offensive efficiency, averaging 14.3 points in the first quarter and maintaining solid performances throughout the game. With a solid home record of 6-1, they are tough to beat when they play in front of their fans, but their road record (4-1) indicates they are just as dangerous away from home.

Layton Christian Academy: A Balanced and Resilient Team

Layton Christian Academy (LCA) has also demonstrated strong performances this season, with a 12-8 overall record. While their win percentage is slightly lower than Payson’s (.600), their defense and balanced scoring have been key factors in their success. LCA scores 59.5 points per game but shines on the glass, averaging 34.8 rebounds per game—far superior to Payson’s 28.1.

Tyrin Jones has been the standout player for LCA, contributing 15.5 points per game, and his all-around play has made him a key player to watch. He also leads the team with 3.2 assists per game and 1.6 steals per game, showing his ability to impact every facet of the game. Alan Gballou also stands out with 7.8 rebounds per game, helping LCA dominate on the boards.

In their head-to-head matchup earlier this month, Layton Christian Academy handed Payson a tough 73-50 defeat, showcasing their defensive prowess and offensive balance. With an away record of 5-1, LCA has proven they can perform on the road and is always a tough matchup.

Head-to-Head Matchup

The most recent matchup between the two schools came on January 7, where Layton Christian Academy took control early and never looked back, securing a 73-50 victory over Payson. LCA’s defense stifled Payson’s high-scoring offense, while their balanced attack kept the game firmly in their hands.

Looking ahead, the two teams are set to meet again on January 24, where Payson will travel to Layton Christian Academy for an exciting conference game. This rematch promises to be a battle of wills, with Payson looking to avenge their earlier loss and LCA aiming to extend their dominance.

Team Comparisons

• Scoring: Payson has the edge in offensive production with 66.1 points per game, compared to LCA’s 59.5.
• Rebounding: LCA dominates on the boards, with 34.8 rebounds per game to Payson’s 28.1.
• Assists: Payson’s ability to share the ball gives them an advantage in assists, averaging 16.2 per game, compared to LCA’s 12.2.
• Steals: Payson is also stronger in steals, averaging 9.6 per game, while LCA averages 6.3.
• Defense: LCA, with its strong defensive play and rebounding, often controls the tempo and limits opponents’ second-chance opportunities.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents, including Provo, Timpanogos, Mountain View, and Uintah. Payson has a 2-1 record against common opponents, while LCA has gone 3-0. Notably, LCA defeated Provo 77-46 at home and also defeated Timpanogos 86-54 earlier this month.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, the competition between Payson and Layton Christian Academy continues to heat up. Payson, with their potent offense and high-scoring capabilities, faces the challenge of LCA’s stout defense and rebounding dominance. The upcoming game on January 24 will be crucial for both teams as they seek to improve their records and position themselves for playoff contention.

With standout players like Reynoso for Payson and Jones for LCA, fans can expect a thrilling matchup that could have major implications in the region standings. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced offense or hard-nosed defense, this showdown will surely be a game to remember.