The Pope John Paul II (Hendersonville, TN) varsity basketball team is set to play a neutral tournament game against Independence (Thompson’s Station, TN) today at 6:00 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Tennessee High School Basketball
Who: Pope John Paul II vs Independence
When: Thursday, December 26, 2024,
Time: 6:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Pope John Paul II Dominates Independence in Team Rankings and Performance Metrics

The 2024-2025 basketball season has highlighted the sharp contrasts in performance and consistency between Independence High School and Pope John Paul II High School (PJP II). With an impressive track record, PJP II clearly leads in almost every statistical and performance category.

Season Overview

Independence holds an overall record of 8-4, showcasing a solid but inconsistent performance, particularly in district games, where they stand at 1-1. On the other hand, Pope John Paul II boasts a stellar 12-1 record, including an undefeated 5-0 record at home and an impressive 5-0 in neutral games. PJP II’s win percentage of .923 significantly overshadows Independence’s .667.

While Independence has shown promise, particularly at home with a 4-2 record, their struggles in key games, such as their narrow loss to Maryville (59-58), have left them trailing behind PJP II in both rankings and momentum.

Scoring and Team Averages

PJP II dominates in scoring, averaging 70.7 points per game compared to Independence’s 59.3. Their balanced scoring approach is evident in their consistent production across all four quarters, with notable surges in the first (24 points) and fourth (22 points). Independence, while competitive, struggles to maintain the same scoring efficiency, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they average only 12.4 points.

Key team stats further illustrate PJP II’s dominance:

• Rebounds Per Game: PJP II leads with 29.5, showcasing their ability to control the boards.
• Assists Per Game: With 14.2 assists, PJP II displays excellent ball movement and teamwork.
• Steals Per Game: PJP II averages 8.5 steals, compared to Independence’s 2.6 from their top performer.
• Blocks Per Game: PJP II registers 3.0 blocks, highlighting their defensive presence in the paint.

Player Contributions

Independence relies heavily on standout performances from #11 Osby Cavin and #5 Kamden Days:

• Osby Cavin: Leads the team in scoring (19.1 points per game), assists (5.4 per game), and steals (2.6 per game), making him a crucial all-around player.
• Kamden Days: Dominates the boards with 8.4 rebounds per game and contributes 2.0 blocks per game, anchoring the team’s defensive efforts.

In contrast, PJP II showcases greater depth and team-oriented play. While individual stats for their players are not detailed, their balanced scoring and high team averages speak volumes about their collective strength.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

When comparing performances against common opponents, PJP II holds a flawless 3-0 record, while Independence is 3-1. Notably, PJP II defeated Maryville 63-57, a team that handed Independence one of their closest losses. Similarly, PJP II’s decisive victory over LaVergne (69-47) far surpasses Independence’s narrow win against the same team (47-41).

Season Outlook

Independence has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their wins against Ravenwood and Brentwood Academy. However, their inconsistency, particularly in high-stakes games, raises concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level. PJP II, meanwhile, has established themselves as a powerhouse, combining offensive firepower, defensive resilience, and exceptional team chemistry.

With their current trajectory, PJP II is not only poised for playoff success but could potentially dominate the state rankings. Independence, while competitive, will need to refine their strategy and find greater consistency to close the gap.