The Riverside High School varsity basketball team (Greer, SC) will play a home conference game against Gaffney (SC) today at 7:30 PM.

Game Information:

• Matchup: Gaffney vs Riverside
• Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM
• Location: Riverside High School
• Live stream: Watch Here

High School Basketball Showdown: Gaffney vs Riverside

As the basketball season heats up, two South Carolina high school teams are ready to clash in a thrilling conference matchup. The Gaffney Indians and Riverside Warriors will face off today, January 17, 2025, in a highly anticipated game at Riverside’s home court. With the tip-off set for 7:30 p.m., fans can expect an intense battle between these two teams, each with unique strengths and challenges this season.

Gaffney Indians: Struggling to Find Consistency

The Gaffney Indians, currently holding a 4-11 overall record, have faced a challenging season. With a 1-4 region record and a 1-6 away record, the Indians have been struggling to find consistency. Their performance has been a rollercoaster, with standout games like their 65-48 victory over Wade Hampton on December 10, 2024, but also tough losses to teams like J.L. Mann and Eastside.

One of Gaffney’s brightest spots has been senior Rickey Littlejohn, who leads the team with an average of 14.1 points per game. Littlejohn has also contributed 3.3 assists per game, proving to be a versatile player for the Indians. Other contributors include Deylen Whitaker, who grabs 4.5 rebounds per game, and Londin Bailey, who leads the team in steals with 1.8 per game. Despite these individual performances, Gaffney’s defense and overall team performance have hindered them in close games.

Riverside Warriors: Dominating Region Play

On the other hand, the Riverside Warriors have been a force in the 2024-2025 season. With a stellar 12-4 overall record and an undefeated 4-0 region record, Riverside has been performing at a high level. The Warriors’ ability to win both at home and on the road is a testament to their skill and depth as a team.

Leading Riverside’s offense is a well-balanced attack, with their defense allowing fewer points (838 total points allowed compared to Gaffney’s 938). Although the Warriors have not had a standout scorer like Littlejohn, their team approach has been effective, as seen in their impressive win over J.L. Mann (66-47) and their dominant 81-47 victory over Wade Hampton on January 7, 2025. Riverside’s top performers include players like Zyon Ratchford and others who contribute across multiple facets of the game.

Key Statistical Comparisons

• Points Per Game (PPG): Gaffney averages 60.2 points per game, while Riverside has a more modest 58.8. However, Riverside has shown they can score in bursts, especially in the fourth quarter, where they average 23.2 points per game compared to Gaffney’s 17.5.
• Rebounding: Gaffney averages 27.8 rebounds per game, a crucial stat for controlling the pace. Riverside, though, has managed to keep opponents’ scoring low, leading to fewer rebounds being required to secure victories.
• Steals and Assists: Both teams have strong defensive play, with Gaffney averaging 8.1 steals per game. Riverside’s defense has been stingy as well, allowing them to control possession in critical moments of games.

Head-to-Head History and Common Opponents

When comparing common opponents, Riverside has had the upper hand, boasting a 5-0 record against shared opponents, while Gaffney has struggled with a 1-5 record. These matchups demonstrate the contrasting forms of the two teams as they face teams of similar caliber. Riverside has proven their dominance, while Gaffney has struggled to maintain a competitive edge in these encounters.

The Game Ahead

Today’s matchup is pivotal for both teams, as Gaffney looks to turn around their season and Riverside aims to continue their undefeated regional run. With Riverside’s 4-0 region record, a victory here would further solidify their position at the top of the conference standings. On the other hand, Gaffney will need to overcome their struggles on the road to come away with a much-needed win.

Both teams will have a rematch on February 11, 2025, at Gaffney, offering Riverside another opportunity to solidify their region dominance and Gaffney a chance to avenge their home loss.

In summary, this game promises high drama as Gaffney seeks redemption and Riverside looks to maintain their undefeated region record. All eyes will be on the court at Riverside High School tonight as these two teams square off in a crucial regional showdown.