The Red Springs (NC) varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against West Columbus (Cerro Gordo, NC) on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know Basketball:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Red Springs vs West Columbus
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

West Columbus and Red Springs Basketball: Struggling Seasons with Determined Efforts

The 2024-2025 basketball season has proven to be a challenging one for both the West Columbus and Red Springs teams, with each struggling to secure victories. Despite these struggles, both teams continue to show promising individual performances, offering hope for better results as the season progresses.

Season Overview: West Columbus (0-3) vs. Red Springs (0-5)

Both West Columbus and Red Springs enter the 2024-2025 season with less-than-ideal records. West Columbus has managed to play three games, all resulting in losses, leaving them with a 0-3 record overall. Their performance has been similarly disappointing at home (0-1) and on the road (0-2). They have scored an average of 46.7 points per game, but have allowed 182 points in total, indicating a struggle on both ends of the court.

Red Springs, with an even tougher start, is yet to win a game, holding an 0-5 record for the season. They too have been unable to find success at home (0-2) or away (0-3). Red Springs has put up an average of 50 points per game but has been outscored by a margin of 52 points, with a total of 302 points allowed across five games.

Scoring Averages and Team Dynamics

When comparing the two teams’ scoring averages, Red Springs slightly edges out West Columbus, averaging 50 points per game, compared to West Columbus’s 46.7 points. Both teams have a pattern of consistent scoring across the quarters, with West Columbus averaging 8.7 points in the first quarter, 13.3 in the second, 13.7 in the third, and 11.0 in the fourth. Red Springs, meanwhile, scores 10.4 points in the first quarter, 14.0 in the second, 12.0 in the third, and 13.6 in the final quarter.

While neither team has excelled defensively, the slight difference in scoring is indicative of Red Springs’ ability to maintain a steadier offensive flow throughout the game. West Columbus tends to peak in the third quarter, but their late-game scoring dips in comparison to Red Springs, who remains more consistent in the final stretch.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams have standout players who have been critical in their respective performances. For West Columbus, Larry “DJ” Graham has been a leading force, averaging 12.7 points per game, contributing 2.0 assists per game, and playing a key role on both offense and defense. Zion Eady also plays an essential role, grabbing 7.3 rebounds per game, while adding 2.3 blocks.

For Red Springs, individual statistics have not yet taken center stage in the same way, but they are a team effort-driven squad. While there are no standout performers yet on the same level as West Columbus’ Graham, Red Springs has shown flashes of potential with an average of 5.5 assists per game across their players.

Upcoming Matchups and Common Opponents

Both teams face common opponents as they continue their seasons. Notably, both West Columbus and Red Springs will face off against West Bladen and Pender, with games against East Columbus also on the horizon. These matchups will be crucial for both teams to try to turn their fortunes around, with each still seeking their first win in conference play.

West Columbus will meet West Bladen on December 11, 2024, and then take on Pender and East Columbus later in January and February. Similarly, Red Springs will face West Bladen on February 14, 2025, and Pender on January 6, 2025.

With a few matchups remaining against teams of comparable records, these games could be pivotal in giving either team a much-needed confidence boost to build upon.

A Season of Growth

Despite the lack of wins so far, both West Columbus and Red Springs can take pride in their development over the course of the season. While the losses have mounted, the individual stats reveal a core group of players with the potential to evolve into leaders for their respective teams. With several games against common opponents still on the schedule, the hope is that both teams will find their rhythm and begin to capitalize on their strengths, particularly in rebounding, assists, and defense.

The road ahead will be tough for both teams, but with determination and a focus on improvement, the 2024-2025 season could yet offer a chance for redemption as the season progresses.