The Raft River varsity basketball team (Malta, ID) will play a home conference game against Valley (Hazelton, ID) on Friday, January 17, at 7:30 PM.

Raft River vs Valley Game Info:

What: Idaho High School Basketball
Who: Raft River (ID) vs Valley (ID)
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Raft River vs Valley

The upcoming basketball game between the Valley (Hazelton, ID) and Raft River (Malta, ID) varsity teams promises to be a thrilling match-up, as both teams prepare to clash on Friday, January 17, at 7:30 p.m. This conference rivalry is shaping up to be an exciting game with Valley coming in undefeated and Raft River looking to bounce back from their earlier loss to the Valley squad.

Valley’s Dominance

Valley has been a powerhouse in this season’s basketball league, boasting a perfect 8-0 record, with all of those wins coming within their conference. Their dominant performance includes impressive wins both at home and away, and they have yet to drop a game in conference play, with a flawless 6-0 conference record. The team’s strong offensive presence is evident in their scoring averages, posting an impressive 65.9 points per game. Their defense has also been formidable, allowing only 292 points over the course of the season, for a robust average of just 36.5 points against.

Key to Valley’s success has been their balanced attack, led by consistent scoring across all four quarters. The team averages 16 points per game in the first quarter, with steady production in subsequent quarters, even maintaining a strong finish with 14.8 points in the final quarter. Their ability to close out games has been a decisive factor in their perfect season so far.

Raft River’s Struggles and Potential

On the other hand, Raft River has faced a more mixed season, currently sitting at 4-4 overall and 4-3 in the conference. The team has shown promise, particularly with a solid 2-2 record at home, but inconsistency on the road and in conference games has hindered their overall performance. Their scoring averages reflect a team that has struggled to find the same rhythm as Valley, with a lower 57.1 points per game.

Raft River’s loss to Valley in their earlier match-up, 64-54, highlights their challenges, as they were unable to keep up with Valley’s pace, especially in the second half, where they scored only 9 points in the final quarter. Their scoring drops in the fourth quarter and the team’s inability to handle Valley’s defense were key factors in the defeat.

Despite these setbacks, Raft River has had success against other teams in their league, including a solid win against Murtaugh and a dominant victory over Lighthouse Christian. If they can capitalize on their home court advantage and make adjustments to their offensive strategy, they will look to challenge Valley in their next encounter.

Head-to-Head History

In their last meeting, on December 4, Valley demonstrated their dominance in a 64-54 win over Raft River. The game saw Raft River keeping things close early on, but Valley’s consistent scoring and defensive control eventually overwhelmed them. The upcoming game on January 17 will be an opportunity for Raft River to avenge this loss and show that they can compete with the top-tier teams in the conference.

Common Opponents and Record Comparisons

When comparing their performances against common opponents, Valley holds a strong advantage. Valley has won all of their games against common opponents, while Raft River has a 4-2 record against the same teams. Notably, Valley has been more dominant in their victories, winning by wide margins, while Raft River has had some close calls, including a tough loss to Glenns Ferry and a narrow win over Murtaugh.

Looking ahead, Valley’s undefeated record and impressive stats make them the clear favorite in this match-up, but Raft River will have the advantage of playing at home. The game will be crucial for Raft River if they hope to stay competitive in the conference standings and build momentum for the remainder of the season.

Conclusion

The game between Valley and Raft River on January 17 is set to be a high-stakes encounter. Valley’s undefeated streak and powerful offense will be a tough challenge for Raft River, but the home team will be eager to prove themselves and exact revenge for their previous loss. With both teams motivated and determined to secure a crucial victory, fans can expect an exciting basketball battle.