The Richland Northeast (Columbia, SC) varsity basketball team will face Conway (SC) in a neutral non-conference game today at 6:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to Basketball know:

What: South Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Richland Northeast vs Conway
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 6:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Conway vs. Richland Northeast Basketball Comparison: A Tale of Two Teams

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season rolls along, two teams in South Carolina have demonstrated contrasting performances. Conway and Richland Northeast have taken different paths this season, with one establishing itself as a strong contender, while the other has faced struggles. Let’s dive into the rankings, records, and key stats for both teams to understand their current standing.

Team Rankings & Records

Conway, with a stellar overall record of 8-2, has positioned itself as one of the top teams in the state. This success is largely attributed to their impressive play both at home (3-0) and on the road (4-1), as well as their strong performance in neutral-site games (1-1). Their overall win percentage of .800 reflects their dominance on the court. Over the course of the season, they have accumulated 552 points while allowing 442, showcasing their ability to outscore opponents while maintaining a solid defense.

In contrast, Richland Northeast has faced a much tougher road. With an overall record of 2-8, the team has struggled, especially in away games, where they are 1-4. Their home record is also disappointing at 0-3, and they are even at 1-1 in neutral-site games. Their win percentage of .200 speaks volumes about their difficulties, with 425 points scored and 525 points allowed, highlighting a challenge in both offensive and defensive consistency.

Team Scoring Averages

Conway has been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 55.2 points per game. The team has been particularly effective in the first (14.0 points) and third quarters (16.0 points), while maintaining consistency in the second (8.0 points) and fourth quarters (8.0 points). Their ability to score in different phases of the game shows their well-rounded offensive approach.

In contrast, Richland Northeast has struggled to put up points, averaging only 42.5 points per game. Their scoring is heavily concentrated in the second half, with 11.5 points in the third quarter and 11.0 points in the fourth quarter. However, their slow starts, especially in the first quarter (9.5 points), have hindered their ability to compete against tougher teams.

Statistical Comparison

When comparing the two teams’ key statistics, Conway has the edge in virtually every category. They score more points per game (52.9 vs. 39.4), pull down more rebounds (30.4 vs. 23.4), and dish out more assists (9.1 vs. 7.4). Their defensive play is also stronger, averaging 11.6 steals per game compared to Richland Northeast’s 8.8, and while both teams block shots effectively, Conway averages 1.8 blocks per game, just slightly ahead of Richland Northeast’s 2.9.

Key Players

Conway boasts standout performances from a few key players. Senior guard Trevon Johnson leads the team in scoring with 14.9 points per game, while also contributing significantly on defense with 3.9 steals per game. Forward Javion Crawford adds 9.4 rebounds per game, and Avery Brantley is a crucial playmaker with 1.7 assists per game.

For Richland Northeast, Emmanuel Ard leads the team with 12.6 points per game, and Joshua Nunn is the team’s top rebounder with 9.7 rebounds per game. Christopher Asuzu’s 2.7 assists per game is a bright spot for the team, and Leslie Kennedy provides strong defensive support with 2.7 steals per game.

Record Breakdown

Conway has dominated both in-state and non-league matchups. Their record of 8-2 overall includes a strong non-league performance (8-2), and they’ve been especially successful at home (3-0) and on the road (4-1). Their balanced record in neutral games (1-1) showcases their adaptability.

Richland Northeast’s season has been marked by struggles. They have yet to win a home game (0-3) and have only managed one win on the road (1-4). While they are 1-1 in neutral-site games, their inability to secure victories in crucial home and away contests has hampered their season.

Conclusion

As we approach the mid-point of the 2024-2025 basketball season, Conway has firmly established itself as one of the top teams in South Carolina. With an offense that is both high-scoring and efficient and a defense that can limit opponents, the team looks poised for success in both state and non-state competitions.

On the other hand, Richland Northeast faces a challenging season ahead. With a win percentage of only .200, the team will need to address its scoring and defensive inconsistencies to turn things around. If they can find a way to capitalize on their strengths and improve their weaknesses, there’s still time for them to make an impact before the playoffs.