The Zillah (WA) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Royal (Royal City, WA) on Friday, January 17 at 7:15 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Basketball
Who: Royal vs Zillah
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Royal vs Zillah

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season unfolds, two teams in Washington state have been dominating the competition: Royal and Zillah. Both squads are making waves in their respective districts, with Royal remaining undefeated, and Zillah only suffering three losses so far. The next chapter in their rivalry will be written when they meet again on January 17, 2025, for a highly anticipated matchup in Zillah.

Royal’s Dominant Streak

Royal High School has been nothing short of spectacular this season. With an undefeated 13-0 record, they sit at the top of their district and have proven to be a powerhouse on both ends of the floor. The team’s defensive prowess and high-scoring offense have been key factors in their perfect record.

Royal’s offensive performance has been impressive, averaging a solid 74.1 points per game. Breaking down their scoring, the Knights show strong consistency in all quarters, putting up 16.0 points in the first quarter, followed by 15.3 in the second, 15.0 in the third, and a surge of 22.7 points in the fourth. When the pressure is on, Royal has demonstrated their ability to close games strong, with an average of 11 points in overtime when needed.

Their most recent victory came on January 4th, where they bested Zillah 75-59, with a balanced performance across the board. The Knights’ defense shut down Zillah’s offense in key moments, while their fast-paced attack overwhelmed the opposition.

Zillah’s Solid Performance

While Zillah has faced setbacks against Royal, the team has nonetheless proven to be formidable this season. With a 10-3 record overall and a strong 7-1 district record, Zillah is proving itself as one of the top teams in the league. Their offense is averaging 76.8 points per game, led by impressive scoring runs in the first three quarters of each game—23.1 points in the first, 21.3 in the second, and 20.7 in the third. However, Zillah has struggled to maintain that same intensity in the fourth quarter, where they average just 13.9 points.

Despite their loss to Royal earlier this month, Zillah’s track record against common opponents has been strong, with notable victories over teams like Wapato, Wahluke, and Cashmere. On January 11, Zillah managed a dominant win over Cashmere with an 82-57 scoreline, showcasing their high offensive capabilities and depth.

Head-to-Head: Royal vs. Zillah

Royal’s victory over Zillah on January 4, 2025, was an important statement for the team. Their ability to outscore and outlast Zillah in every quarter was a testament to their strength. Despite a solid first half from Zillah, which saw them keep the game close at 30-32 by halftime, Royal’s fourth-quarter explosion, scoring 23 points compared to Zillah’s 12, sealed the deal.

Zillah, however, is no stranger to overcoming adversity. Their next meeting, scheduled for January 17 at 7:15 p.m. in Zillah, will be an opportunity for them to bounce back and adjust their strategy. The Bulldogs are known for their resilience, and they will be eager to capitalize on their home court advantage.

Common Opponents and Strengths

Both teams have faced off against many of the same opponents this season, and their records against those teams suggest that they are equally matched in many aspects. Both Royal and Zillah are undefeated against common opponents like Wapato and Wahluke, with Royal holding a slight edge in their overall district record.

Royal’s strength lies in their consistency and depth across the roster, while Zillah has shown the ability to rack up points quickly and often, especially in the first half of games. The game on January 17 promises to be a highly competitive one, with both teams bringing unique strengths to the court.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, the rivalry between Royal and Zillah is sure to heat up. Both teams are poised to make deep runs in the postseason, with their sights set on a district title. The outcome of their upcoming game on January 17 could prove pivotal in determining which team maintains the upper hand as the season enters its final stretch.

Fans can expect a thrilling game filled with high intensity and exceptional basketball. The showdown between Royal and Zillah is not just a battle for district supremacy, but a preview of what could be an epic playoff encounter.

Final Thoughts

With Royal’s flawless 13-0 record and Zillah’s 10-3 performance, the basketball season in Washington is shaping up to be one for the history books. Whether it’s Royal’s aggressive offense or Zillah’s explosive scoring runs, one thing is certain: these two teams are on a collision course for greatness. Make sure to tune in to the next chapter of this exciting rivalry on January 17, 2025, as both teams vie for supremacy.