The Ray (ND) varsity basketball team will be hosting a non-conference game against Velva (ND) today at 4:00 PM.

Matchup Details:

• Teams: Velva vs Ray
• Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
• Time: 4:00 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Location: Ray High School (ND)

Velva vs. Ray: A Battle of Strong Basketball Teams

As the Velva and Ray basketball teams prepare for their highly anticipated matchup today, fans can expect an exciting game filled with intensity. Both teams have been performing well this season, with identical overall records of 9-3, and both come with their own strengths and impressive statistics that will make for a thrilling contest.

Season Overview: Velva (ND) vs. Ray (ND)

• Velva’s Record: The Velva varsity basketball team has posted a 9-3 overall record, with a 4-3 mark in district play. At home, they are undefeated with a 6-0 record, showcasing their dominance when playing on their home court. Their scoring averages are strong across all quarters, particularly in the first half of games. They have been averaging 19.5 points in the first quarter, 17.0 in the second, 22.0 in the third, and 14.0 in the fourth, finishing with an average of 76.5 points per game.
• Ray’s Record: Ray, on the other hand, also boasts a 9-3 record and has been impressive in their district play, with a 6-1 mark. They have been very consistent at home (3-0) and are looking strong as they approach the upcoming game. Ray’s scoring is also solid, with an average of 71.4 points per game. Though their scoring breakdown by quarter isn’t specified, their overall team performance indicates they are a force to be reckoned with.

Head-to-Head Comparison:

The two teams will meet for the first time this season in an away non-conference game at Ray today at 7:30 p.m. (or 4 p.m. depending on timing updates). Both teams have had some similar opponents this season, providing a glimpse into their relative strengths:

• Common Opponents:
  • Velva has faced a common set of opponents, finishing 2-1 against teams like Berthold (winning 91-39), Bishop Ryan (losing 71-51), Glenburn (winning 104-76), and Divide County.
  • Ray, with a slightly different set of matchups, has faced some of the same teams with a 2-2 record against common opponents, including a win over Divide County (85-37) and losses to Bishop Ryan (75-40) and Powers Lake/Burke Central (72-63).

Key Stats and Records Breakdown:

• Velva’s Strengths:
  • Velva has been particularly strong at home, undefeated in their own gym with a perfect 6-0 home record.
  • Their overall scoring is also impressive, averaging 76.5 points per game, which ranks among the top in their district.
  • With a balanced offense across all quarters, Velva is a team that can build momentum and maintain leads throughout the game.
• Ray’s Strengths:
  • Ray has been particularly dominant in district play, with a 6-1 record, and has proven tough in their home games, where they are undefeated.
  • They have been consistent in their scoring and have a strong winning percentage, finishing with a 71.4 points-per-game average.
  • Their defense has also been impressive, with an average of just 656 points allowed this season.

Looking Ahead:

As these two teams face off in what promises to be a high-energy game, all eyes will be on their ability to execute under pressure. With both teams showing strong records and standout individual performances, this matchup could be a turning point in their respective seasons. Whether Velva can maintain their perfect home record or Ray will continue their impressive district dominance remains to be seen.

Regardless of the outcome, basketball fans can expect a thrilling contest that highlights the best of what North Dakota high school basketball has to offer.

The game is set to tip-off today at 4 p.m. (or 7:30 p.m. depending on the final schedule), and will be a must-watch event for local fans and those following the progress of these two talented teams.