The Punahou (Honolulu, HI) varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against Salpointe Catholic (Tucson, AZ) on Saturday, January 11, at 7 p.m.

Punahou vs Salpointe Catholic Girls Basketball Game Info:

What: Hawaii High School Girls Basketball
Who: Punahou vs Salpointe Catholic
When: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Time: 7 PM
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Game preview: Punahou vs Salpointe Catholic

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, two teams are catching the attention of fans and analysts alike—Salpointe Catholic and Punahou. Both schools, known for their strong basketball programs, bring a unique set of strengths and challenges to the court.

Team Overview

Salpointe Catholic (AZ, Division 6) has proven to be a formidable force, with an impressive 11-3 overall record. The team has dominated at home with a perfect 4-0 record and shows strong performances both away (3-1) and on neutral ground (4-2). Salpointe Catholic’s offense is powerful, averaging 61.1 points per game, driven largely by standout player Sidney Anderson. Anderson leads the team in scoring (13.6 points per game), rebounding (5.4 rebounds per game), steals (2.0 steals per game), and assists (2.4 assists per game).

On the other hand, Punahou (HI, Division 6) is still finding its rhythm, with a 10-9 overall record. The team has faced some challenges in league play, going 0-3, but has a solid showing in non-league matchups with a 5-1 record. Punahou’s offense averages 44.9 points per game, a noticeable gap from Salpointe Catholic’s scoring output. Ahnastaziah Wright is Punahou’s standout player, contributing 8.5 points per game, along with 7.0 rebounds per game and 2.3 steals per game. While their offensive production is not as high as Salpointe’s, Wright’s leadership and defensive stats help keep the team competitive.

Team Comparison

When comparing the overall statistics, Salpointe Catholic outperforms Punahou in most categories:

• Points per game: Salpointe Catholic averages 60.4, nearly double Punahou’s 30.9.
• Rebounds per game: Salpointe’s margin is also substantial, with 30.4 rebounds per game, compared to Punahou’s 19.1.
• Assists per game: Salpointe’s 10.4 assists per game is more than double Punahou’s 6.3.
• Steals per game: Salpointe leads here too with 10.1 steals per game, compared to Punahou’s 8.6.
• Blocks per game: Salpointe’s defense is also more effective, with 2.4 blocks per game compared to Punahou’s 1.1.

Key Players

Salpointe Catholic’s Sidney Anderson has been a dominant force on both ends of the floor, leading her team in multiple categories, including scoring, rebounds, and steals. Meanwhile, Ahnastaziah Wright of Punahou stands out as a versatile player, capable of scoring and grabbing rebounds. Wright will be essential if Punahou hopes to challenge Salpointe’s formidable lineup.

Recent Performance

Both teams have faced off against Iolani, a common opponent this season. Salpointe Catholic came out victorious with a 56-51 win on January 9, 2025, while Punahou suffered a loss to Iolani earlier in December, falling 55-36.

Looking ahead, Salpointe Catholic and Punahou will meet in more matchups against teams like Kamehameha Kapalama, where both schools have had mixed results. Salpointe’s overall performance against Kamehameha has been strong, while Punahou has faced several tough losses, including 44-26 and 61-34 defeats.

Conclusion

Salpointe Catholic’s dominant record, high scoring output, and well-rounded team have set the stage for what could be an exciting remainder of the season. On the other hand, Punahou, while still a competitive team, will need to improve its league play and address its scoring issues to compete with top-tier teams like Salpointe. The head-to-head between these two teams offers a glimpse into how each program is shaping up, and the future meetings will undoubtedly be crucial for both teams as they strive for success in their respective divisions.