The Emerald Ridge Varsity Basketball team (South Hill, WA) is set to play a home conference game against Puyallup (WA) today at 7 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington High School Basketball
Who: Puyallup vs Emerald Ridge
When: Friday, January 24, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Puyallup vs Emerald Ridge
As the winter basketball season heats up, two powerhouse teams in the Pierce County area have captured the attention of fans: Puyallup and Emerald Ridge. Both schools, known for their rich basketball traditions, have had remarkable seasons in the 2024-2025 campaign. Here’s a closer look at their performances and what sets them apart.
Puyallup Basketball: Dominant and Unbeaten in District Play
Puyallup’s varsity basketball team has been a force to be reckoned with, boasting a record of 15-3 overall and an undefeated 7-0 in district play. Their offensive and defensive balance has been key to their success, averaging 65.3 points per game, with standout performances in every quarter of play. The team has scored an impressive 1,175 points over the course of the season while allowing just 894 points, demonstrating their strength both offensively and defensively.
Key to Puyallup’s success has been their ability to close out games, averaging 20.2 points in the first quarter, and maintaining solid scoring in the second, third, and fourth quarters. Their ability to pull away from opponents, especially at home where they are 9-0, is a testament to their preparation and consistency.
Their most recent victory came on December 10th, 2024, when Puyallup easily defeated Emerald Ridge with a commanding 70-44 score. The win helped solidify their position as one of the top teams in the district.
Emerald Ridge Basketball: Strong Contender with Solid Record
Emerald Ridge’s varsity basketball team, located in South Hill, WA, has also been impressive this season. Their record stands at 13-4 overall, with a solid 4-1 district record. While they have faced more challenges compared to their rivals from Puyallup, their team remains highly competitive, averaging 61.1 points per game and allowing 855 points over the course of the season. Emerald Ridge has found success through their ability to adjust and compete fiercely, especially on the road where they are 6-2 this season.
Emerald Ridge’s defense has been particularly tough, holding many teams to low scores. While they did suffer a tough loss to Puyallup earlier in the season, their subsequent games have shown resilience, including a hard-fought win over South Kitsap and a dominant performance against Bonney Lake. Despite facing tough opponents, their balanced scoring attack, with a notable 15.5 points in the fourth quarter, shows they are always a threat in tight games.
Common Opponents: The Battle for Supremacy
One of the most fascinating aspects of this season has been the common opponents shared between the two teams. Puyallup has faced a number of formidable opponents, including South Kitsap, Sumner, and Rogers. Their 11-1 record against common opponents speaks to their dominance on the court. In contrast, Emerald Ridge has posted a 11-2 record against the same set of teams, showing that while they are competitive, they have been slightly edged out in some of their matchups.
The two teams’ performances against South Kitsap are particularly telling. Both squads won against South Kitsap, but Puyallup had the advantage in their game with a 68-60 victory, while Emerald Ridge’s win was 57-53.
Looking Ahead: A Season of Promise
As the season progresses, both teams are well-positioned for a playoff run, with Puyallup at the top of their district and Emerald Ridge fighting for a strong finish. The head-to-head rivalry is one of the highlights, especially as both teams are gunning for the top spot in the district standings.
For Puyallup, the key will be maintaining their undefeated district record and continuing their dominance at home, where they have shown incredible consistency. For Emerald Ridge, staying competitive and finding ways to close out close games will be crucial as they look to bounce back from tough losses and build on their strong performances.
With both teams continuing to shine against common opponents, it’s clear the remainder of the season will be filled with exciting matchups, and this rivalry is far from over. Fans can expect more thrilling basketball action as these two teams continue to battle for supremacy in the Pierce County basketball scene.
Final Thoughts:
The basketball seasons for both Puyallup and Emerald Ridge have been filled with incredible highs and hard-fought battles. With such strong performances across the board, the rivalry between these two teams is only heating up, and fans can expect much more excitement in the coming weeks as both teams head toward the postseason.
