The Ridgecroft varsity basketball team (Ahoskie, NC) will host a home conference game against Albemarle School (Elizabeth City, 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: Ridgecroft vs Albemarle School
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

A Look Ahead: Albemarle School vs. Ridgecroft Basketball Game Preview

As the 2024-2025 basketball season heats up, two teams from the northeastern part of North Carolina, Albemarle School and Ridgecroft, are preparing for a highly anticipated matchup on Friday, December 13, at 7:00 PM. This conference clash promises to showcase exciting basketball action, with both teams entering with contrasting records and different playing styles. Let’s dive into the details of this game and what fans can expect when these two teams hit the court.

Team Overview

Albemarle School enters the game with an overall record of 0-4, having struggled in their early-season matchups. With a 0-2 record both at home and on the road, they will be looking for their first win of the season. Despite their challenges, Albemarle has shown signs of competitiveness, averaging 38.3 points per game, though they will need to improve their defense and consistency to stay in the game against a powerful Ridgecroft team.

In contrast, Ridgecroft comes into the game with an impressive 8-2 record, which includes an undefeated 4-0 performance on the road. With a solid win percentage of .800, Ridgecroft has proven to be a formidable opponent so far, averaging 66.9 points per game, nearly double Albemarle’s scoring average. Their defense has also been strong, limiting opponents to 508 points in their 10 games, a much more efficient record than Albemarle’s 238 points allowed.

Key Statistical Comparison

• Scoring: Ridgecroft has the clear edge in scoring, averaging 66.9 points per game compared to Albemarle’s 38.3 points. Ridgecroft’s ability to consistently score throughout the game will likely play a key role in this matchup.
• Rebounding: Ridgecroft also excels in rebounding, averaging 40.6 rebounds per game to Albemarle’s 25.3. This advantage on the boards should help Ridgecroft control the tempo of the game and create more scoring opportunities.
• Assists & Steals: Ridgecroft outperforms Albemarle in both assists (15.7 vs. 5.0) and steals (13.6 vs. 11.8), highlighting their strong ball movement and defensive pressure. Albemarle will need to focus on improving their passing and limiting turnovers to keep pace.
• Blocks: Albemarle leads in blocks, averaging 3.8 per game compared to Ridgecroft’s 1.2. This could be crucial in slowing down Ridgecroft’s offense and protecting the rim.

Player Spotlight

Albemarle School:

• Javonte’ Borg is the standout player for Albemarle, leading the team with 13.3 points per game, 4.0 steals, and contributing as a strong defender. His performance will be key in keeping Albemarle in the game, especially against Ridgecroft’s offensive firepower.
• Kyle Robinson, averaging 5.7 rebounds per game, will need to step up and help his team compete on the glass against a bigger Ridgecroft squad.

Ridgecroft:

• Antron Gray is the player to watch for Ridgecroft, leading the team in both scoring (19.0 points per game) and assists (6.3 per game). His ability to drive the offense and facilitate for his teammates makes him a dual threat.
• Nacir Lewis, a key rebounder with 9.2 rebounds per game, will be crucial in helping Ridgecroft dominate the boards, particularly on the offensive glass where second-chance points could be a major factor.

Head-to-Head Record

This game marks the first of two matchups between Albemarle and Ridgecroft this season, with the return game scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Both teams will be looking to start their rivalry with a win, setting the stage for a potential rematch with much at stake in the later part of the season.

Looking Ahead

Albemarle has their work cut out for them, as they face an experienced Ridgecroft squad that has dominated in several areas. If Albemarle can improve their shooting efficiency and minimize turnovers, they might be able to keep the game close. Ridgecroft, on the other hand, will look to maintain their momentum and showcase their superior offensive depth and rebounding strength.

Fans can expect an exciting contest this Friday, December 13, with the game kicking off at 7:00 PM at Ridgecroft’s home court in Ahoskie. If history is any guide, Ridgecroft will be the favorite, but as any basketball fan knows, anything can happen on the court.

Final Prediction: Ridgecroft wins, but Albemarle’s resilience could make it a more competitive game than their record suggests.