The Pickerington Central varsity basketball team (Pickerington, OH) will face St. Edward (Lakewood, OH) in a home non-conference game today at 4:45 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Ohio High School Basketball
Who: Pickerington Central vs St. Edward
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 4:45. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

St. Edward and Pickerington Central: A Mid-Season Showdown of Ohio Football

As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, two teams are making waves in Ohio’s Division I rankings: St. Edward and Pickerington Central. Both programs have demonstrated exceptional talent, but their paths to success have varied, creating an intriguing contrast in their records and playing styles. Here’s a closer look at how these teams are faring and what to expect as they continue their journey through the season.

St. Edward: A Dominant Force in Division I Football

St. Edward has been a powerhouse this season with an impressive overall record of 6-1. With a perfect conference record of 1-0, they have quickly established themselves as one of the premier teams in Ohio’s Division I. Their success comes on the back of a potent offense, averaging 73.4 points per game across four quarters. The Eagles have been particularly strong in the opening half, scoring 21.3 points in the first quarter and 21.8 in the second quarter, setting the tone early in games. They maintain their dominance throughout the second half, scoring an average of 15.8 points per quarter in the third and fourth quarters.

St. Edward has been particularly strong at home, boasting an undefeated 4-0 record at their home field. On the road, they are 2-1, showing their adaptability to various environments. They have also been dominant in non-league play, with a 5-1 record, further cementing their reputation as a formidable team in the state.

Pickerington Central: A Balanced Approach

Pickerington Central has had a more mixed season, with an overall record of 4-4. Their conference play has been solid, holding a 3-1 record, which is a positive sign for their prospects moving forward. The Panthers have been competitive in almost every game, averaging 58.6 points per game. While not as explosive as St. Edward, their balanced approach to offense and defense has kept them in contention throughout the season.

One notable aspect of Pickerington Central’s play is their ability to perform well in neutral-site games, posting a 3-1 record in those matchups. However, they’ve struggled in away games, with a 1-2 record when playing outside of their home stadium.

Team Scoring Breakdown

The contrast in scoring between the two teams is quite striking. St. Edward’s offense is a well-oiled machine, putting up an average of 73.4 points per game, with strong performances across all four quarters. Pickerington Central, on the other hand, is averaging 58.6 points per game, which, while still competitive, is far behind St. Edward’s production.

This scoring difference has translated into some clear disparities in overall team performance. St. Edward’s ability to consistently put up big numbers in the early stages of the game allows them to control the tempo, while Pickerington Central often finds itself playing catch-up.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head

Both teams have faced similar opponents, though neither has yet faced off directly. Common opponents such as Pickerington North will offer an interesting point of comparison between these two squads. St. Edward’s meeting with Pickerington North on 12/28/24 will provide insight into how they match up with teams similar to Pickerington Central, who will meet Pickerington North at home on 2/18/25. These common games will serve as a critical benchmark for how each team stacks up against other top-tier competition.

Record Breakdown and Playoff Implications

Looking at their record breakdowns, it’s clear that St. Edward has been the more dominant team in almost every facet. Their perfect league record of 1-0 and strong showing in non-league play give them a solid foundation as they push toward the playoffs. On the other hand, Pickerington Central’s 4-4 record leaves them with a bit more work to do in order to secure a playoff berth. The Panthers will need to improve their performance on the road and continue their strong play in neutral-site games to ensure they stay competitive.

As the season progresses, both teams will be vying for top spots in the state rankings and aiming for a strong finish that could see them meet in the postseason. The differences in their approaches to the game – St. Edward’s high-scoring offense and Pickerington Central’s more balanced strategy – promise an exciting second half of the season.

Conclusion

St. Edward and Pickerington Central are both impressive teams in Ohio’s Division I football landscape, but with distinct playing styles and records. St. Edward looks like the team to beat, while Pickerington Central will need to make adjustments, particularly in their away games, to remain competitive. As the season heats up, expect these teams to continue to rise in the rankings and potentially face off in thrilling playoff battles.