The Provo (UT) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Payson (UT) on Friday, January 10, at 7 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Payson vs Provo
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Payson vs Provo

As the Utah high school basketball season moves forward, two teams are capturing attention for their impressive performances: Payson High School and Provo High School. Both teams have enjoyed successful campaigns thus far, and their upcoming matchups promise to be thrilling, with each team bringing unique strengths to the court.

Payson High School: Dominating the Court

Payson’s basketball team is off to a spectacular start, with an overall record of 11-1 and an impressive 91.7% win percentage. They have shown their dominance across various settings, boasting a perfect home record of 5-0 and a strong 3-1 record in neutral-site games. Their offense has been potent, averaging 67.1 points per game, with a particularly strong performance in the third quarter (18.0 points on average).

One of the team’s standout players, Legend Reynoso, leads Payson with an average of 11.6 points per game. Reynoso has been a key figure for Payson, contributing not only on offense but also in other areas, with 6.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game. The team’s overall balance is evident, with a solid rebounding rate of 27.8 per game and 16.5 assists per game.

Despite their strength, Payson’s defense has allowed an average of 50.2 points per game (PF: 805, PA: 602), and they will need to tighten up their defense as they face tougher opponents later in the season. Nevertheless, they are a team to watch, especially with their solid home court advantage.

Provo High School: A Resilient Force

Provo High School has also had a strong season, with a 9-4 record overall. While their win percentage is lower at 69.2%, they have been particularly strong at home, where they are 5-0. Their scoring average of 59.0 points per game is more modest than Payson’s, but the team has shown resilience in close games, especially in the fourth quarter where they average 18.2 points per game.

Makai Allen is the standout player for Provo, leading the team in points (17.5), rebounds (5.1), and assists (4.9) per game. His contributions make him a dual threat on both ends of the court. Provo’s defense has allowed 718 points across 13 games, and with only 1.2 blocks per game, the team will need to improve in protecting the rim and controlling the paint. However, they make up for it with their overall grit, grabbing 26.3 rebounds per game.

Head-to-Head Matchup: The Showdown

The next game between these two teams is set for Friday, January 10, at 7:00 p.m. in Provo, and the stakes are high. Payson will look to continue its momentum, while Provo will aim to bounce back after a tough schedule. Both teams have won against common opponents, including Maple Mountain, and this game could be the deciding factor in how each team fares heading into the middle of the season.

A rematch awaits on Tuesday, January 28, when Provo heads to Payson for another exciting showdown. Fans can expect a fierce battle as both teams look to establish themselves as the team to beat in the region.

Key Statistics Comparison

The statistical comparison between the two teams reveals that Payson excels in scoring (66.6 points per game) and assists (16.5 per game), but Provo’s strength lies in its rebounding (27.8 rebounds per game). When it comes to steals, both teams are fairly close, with Payson averaging 9.5 steals per game and Provo 9.6. However, Payson edges out Provo in most other categories, making them a formidable opponent.

Team Leaders:

• Payson: Legend Reynoso (11.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG)
• Provo: Makai Allen (17.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.9 APG)

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As both Payson and Provo approach these critical head-to-head matchups, the season looks set for exciting moments. With their records and statistics on display, the rivalry between these two schools will provide thrilling basketball for fans across Utah. Whether at home or away, expect competitive games with high intensity as both teams push for victory and strive to secure their place in the state playoff picture.