The Bear River varsity basketball team (Garland, UT) will host a conference game against Ridgeline (Millville, UT) on Friday, January 10, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Ridgeline vs Bear River
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Ridgeline vs Bear River

With the Utah high school basketball season in full swing, two teams are set to clash in an eagerly anticipated conference showdown. The Ridgeline Riverhawks and the Bear River Bears will meet on January 10, 2025, at Bear River High School in Garland, Utah. The game promises to be an exciting matchup as these teams navigate their season with contrasting records and performances.

Team Overview: A Season of Contrasts

Ridgeline (10-4 Overall)
The Ridgeline Riverhawks have had an impressive season so far, boasting a 10-4 overall record and a 2-1 record in league play. Their home court has been a stronghold (4-2), while they’ve also shown resilience on the road with a 4-1 away record. With a scoring average of 59.9 points per game and standout performances from key players like Harrison Putnam and Dawson Low, Ridgeline is establishing itself as a contender in its class.

Bear River (4-8 Overall)
In contrast, the Bear River Bears are facing challenges this season, holding a 4-8 record overall and still seeking their first league win (0-2). While they’ve found some success at home (3-2), their away record of 1-5 indicates struggles on the road. Despite these setbacks, Bear River’s competitive spirit has been evident in close games, and the team will aim to leverage home-court advantage against Ridgeline.

Statistical Breakdown: Key Metrics

Ridgeline leads the statistical comparison in almost every category:

• Points Per Game: 59.9 (Ridgeline) vs. 54.8 (Bear River)
• Rebounds Per Game: 28.1 (Ridgeline)
• Assists Per Game: 11.4 (Ridgeline)
• Steals Per Game: 6.9 (Ridgeline)
• Blocks Per Game: 1.8 (Ridgeline)

Ridgeline’s offensive and defensive balance, led by standout players like Putnam (11.1 PPG) and Low (5.8 RPG, 3.9 APG, 2.3 SPG), makes them a formidable opponent.

Head-to-Head: A First Meeting

This will be the first head-to-head matchup between the two teams this season. With Ridgeline coming in as the higher-ranked team (20th in their class), they are the favorites. However, Bear River’s home-court advantage could level the playing field.

Common Opponent Analysis

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, with differing outcomes. Ridgeline holds a 3-1 record against shared opponents, while Bear River is 1-2. Notably, both teams have secured wins over Clearfield but suffered losses to Sky View, highlighting their varied performances.

Players to Watch

• Ridgeline: Harrison Putnam (11.1 PPG) and Dawson Low (5.8 RPG, 3.9 APG) will be key contributors.
• Bear River: While individual stats for Bear River aren’t highlighted, their team’s potential lies in its ability to disrupt Ridgeline’s rhythm with home support.

Game Preview and Predictions

As the Riverhawks travel to face the Bears, the game is shaping up to be a critical moment in the season for both teams. Ridgeline looks to solidify its league standing, while Bear River seeks its first league win. The Bears will need to capitalize on defensive stops and rely on the home crowd’s energy to compete against a well-rounded Ridgeline squad.

With the second meeting scheduled for February 5, this matchup will set the tone for future encounters and potentially impact playoff seeding. Basketball fans can expect a spirited battle when the teams tip off on January 10 at 7:00 PM.