The Highland varsity basketball team from Salt Lake City, UT, will face Pleasant Grove (UT) in a neutral, non-conference game today at 5:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Pleasant Grove vs Highland
When: Today, December 28, 2024
Time: 5:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Pleasant Grove vs Highland

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season unfolds in Utah, Pleasant Grove and Highland High Schools present intriguing storylines, with both teams striving to make their mark. While their paths diverge in success and statistics, their upcoming matchups promise to be a thrilling showcase of talent and determination. Here’s an in-depth look at their performances so far and how they stack up against each other.

Team Records and Rankings

Pleasant Grove holds a middling 4-5 record, placing them 49th in the state and 12th in their class. On the other hand, Highland boasts an impressive 7-1 record, securing the 10th spot statewide and ranking 4th in their class. Highland’s .875 win percentage far outshines Pleasant Grove’s .444, reflecting their dominance this season.

Scoring and Performance Trends

Quarter-by-Quarter Averages:

Pleasant Grove starts games modestly, averaging 13.9 points in the first quarter and peaking in the third with 17.0 points. Their final scoring average sits at 60.9 points per game.

Highland, in contrast, begins with a commanding first quarter, averaging 18.9 points, maintaining consistent scoring through the game for a robust 71.0 points per game.

Common Opponents:

Both teams faced Syracuse, Davis, and Riverton with identical 2-1 records against these opponents. Notably, Highland displayed superior offensive capability, such as their 82-77 victory over Riverton compared to Pleasant Grove’s narrower 68-63 win.

Statistical Comparison

Team Stats:

Highland outshines Pleasant Grove in virtually every statistical category:

• Points Per Game: Highland 70.6 vs. Pleasant Grove 58.8
• Rebounds Per Game: Highland 32.3 vs. Pleasant Grove 25.4
• Assists Per Game: Highland 16.1 vs. Pleasant Grove 13.8
• Steals Per Game: Highland 12.1 vs. Pleasant Grove 7.3
• Blocks Per Game: Highland 6.9 vs. Pleasant Grove 3.4

Individual Leaders:

• Points Per Game: Highland’s Jack Anderton (15.9) leads over Pleasant Grove’s Jaxon Brown (10.3).
• Rebounds Per Game: Soren Ries of Highland (8.1) dominates Pleasant Grove’s Brennan Blackett (5.6).
• Assists Per Game: Isaiah Drisdom of Highland (6.3) excels compared to Ty Palmer of Pleasant Grove (3.9).
• Steals Per Game: Drisdom again leads (3.3) versus Blackett (1.8).
• Blocks Per Game: Ries (3.0) surpasses Brown (1.1).

Home and Away Performance

Pleasant Grove struggles on the road, with a 2-3 away record, while Highland thrives with a 3-1 away record. Both teams are undefeated in neutral site games, indicating potential for high-stakes matchups on neutral courts.

Key Takeaways

Highland’s consistent scoring, defensive prowess, and superior team play establish them as a formidable contender. Pleasant Grove, while competitive, needs to address gaps in rebounding, defense, and offensive efficiency to match Highland’s caliber.

As the season progresses, both teams will aim to solidify their standings and prepare for potential playoff clashes. Basketball fans across Utah should keep an eye on these two teams for exciting games and outstanding individual performances.