The Pratt (KS) varsity basketball team is hosting a non-conference game against Great Bend (KS) tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Pratt vs Great Bend Game Info:

What: Iowa High School Basketball
Who: Pratt (IA) vs Great Bend (IA)
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Pratt vs Great Bend

As we dive deeper into the 2024-2025 basketball season, the teams of Great Bend and Pratt have emerged as formidable contenders in the state of Kansas. Both squads are boasting identical 4-1 records overall, showcasing their competitive nature and strong performances in their respective leagues and non-league games. However, the breakdown of their season so far reveals intriguing trends and stats that could make for an exciting showdown when these teams meet.

Team Overview: Great Bend and Pratt

Great Bend (24-25):

• Overall Record: 4-1
• Home Record: 2-0
• Away Record: 1-0
• Neutral Record: 1-1
• Win Percentage: .800
• Points For (PF): 299
• Points Against (PA): 229

Pratt (24-25):

• Overall Record: 4-1
• District Record: 1-0
• Home Record: 2-0
• Away Record: 2-1
• Win Percentage: .800
• District Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points For (PF): 314
• Points Against (PA): 219

Both teams have posted identical overall records, but Pratt has the edge in district play, where they remain undefeated at 1-0. They have shown a well-rounded game, both at home and on the road, while Great Bend has been slightly more balanced with a solid home performance. These teams’ offensive efficiency is evident in their scoring averages, with Pratt averaging 62.8 points per game and Great Bend averaging 59.8.

Scoring Averages and Trends

Great Bend Scoring Breakdown:

• Q1: 16.5
• Q2: 11.5
• Q3: 18.5
• Q4: 17.0
• Final Average: 59.8

Pratt Scoring Breakdown:

• Q1: 19.0
• Q2: 20.0
• Q3: 19.0
• Q4: 10.0
• Final Average: 62.8

While both teams can put up impressive scores, Pratt has been notably strong in the first half of games, with their highest points coming in the second quarter (20.0) and a solid performance in the first quarter (19.0). Great Bend, on the other hand, tends to rally in the second half, especially in the third quarter, where they average 18.5 points per game. The key for Pratt may be maintaining their first-half dominance, while Great Bend’s success could depend on finishing strong in the latter stages of the game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents, and these matchups will serve as a useful gauge of how they stack up against each other. Great Bend has already faced Haven on December 14, 2024, suffering a 53-41 loss at home. Pratt, however, will face Haven on January 10, 2025, and has not yet faced Hesston, who Great Bend will meet on February 25, 2025. The common opponent matchups will provide further insight into how both teams handle similar challenges and could have a direct impact on their future performances.

Record Breakdown: A Detailed Look

Great Bend (24-25):

• League: 0-0
• Non-League: 2-0
• Head-to-Head vs. Common Opponent: 0-1
• In-State Record: 4-1
• Out-of-State Record: 0-0

Pratt (24-25):

• League: 1-0
• Non-League: 2-1
• Head-to-Head vs. Common Opponent: 0-0
• In-State Record: 4-1
• Out-of-State Record: 0-0

Both teams have had solid in-state records and have proven themselves in non-league play, although Pratt has faced more adversity, with a 2-1 record in non-league games. Great Bend has yet to face a common opponent with a winning record, while Pratt’s upcoming games with opponents like Haven and Hesston may challenge their overall consistency.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As the season progresses, both Great Bend and Pratt are positioned to be key players in the Kansas basketball landscape. With identical records and impressive scoring averages, they will likely be prime contenders in the league and district races. While Great Bend has shown resilience in their second-half performances, Pratt’s strong start to games could give them an edge in critical matchups. The upcoming games against common opponents will be pivotal in determining which team has the edge heading into the postseason.

With strong home-court performances and undefeated records in district play, both teams are certainly ones to watch. Fans should expect an exciting and competitive season as both schools look to secure their place as Kansas’ premier basketball teams for 2024-2025.