The Saint Ignatius College Prep varsity basketball team from Chicago, IL, will face Loyola Academy from Wilmette, IL, in a neutral conference game on Friday, December 13, at 5:30 PM.
Saint Ignatius College Prep vs Loyola Academy Girls Basketball Game Info:
What: Illinois High School Girls Basketball
Who: Saint Ignatius College Prep vs Loyola Academy
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM
Watch here: Watch here
Game preview: Saint Ignatius College Prep vs Loyola Academy
As the 2024-25 high school basketball season unfolds in Illinois, two powerhouse teams—Loyola Academy and Saint Ignatius College Prep—find themselves on a collision course. Both programs have identical records of 6-1, and each boasts an undefeated record in their respective conferences. With stellar performances so far, this matchup promises to be a spectacle.
Team Comparisons
Season Records
- Loyola Academy: 6-1 overall, 1-0 in conference play.
- Saint Ignatius College Prep: 6-1 overall, 2-0 in conference play.
Both teams display dominance at home. Loyola Academy holds a perfect 4-0 home record, while Saint Ignatius has gone an impressive 6-0 on the road. However, Loyola Academy has a slight edge in non-league play with a 1-1 record, while Saint Ignatius sits at 0-1.
Offensive Prowess
Scoring Averages Per Quarter
- Loyola Academy:
Q1: 8.5 | Q2: 13.0 | Q3: 15.5 | Q4: 11.5 | Final: 61.3 PPG
Key Strength: Loyola dominates the second half, averaging a combined 27 points in the third and fourth quarters. - Saint Ignatius College Prep:
Q1: 15.3 | Q2: 13.7 | Q3: 14.3 | Q4: 10.0 | Final: 48.9 PPG
Key Strength: Saint Ignatius brings early-game firepower, averaging 29 points in the first half.
The data suggests Loyola Academy may look to weather the early storm and capitalize on their late-game scoring surge.
Defensive Matchup
- Points Allowed (PA):
Loyola Academy: 228 points (32.6 PPG)
Saint Ignatius: 246 points (35.1 PPG)
Loyola Academy’s defense has been slightly more effective, conceding fewer points per game, which could play a pivotal role in a close contest.
Common Opponents
Both teams share victories over New Trier and Providence Catholic, with Loyola delivering a stronger statement in those matchups:
- Loyola Academy outscored New Trier and Providence Catholic by a combined 94 points.
- Saint Ignatius achieved wins with a 40-point differential.
Key Players to Watch
- Loyola Academy: Known for their balanced offensive attack, expect the team to rely on their scoring depth and defensive tenacity in critical moments.
- Saint Ignatius College Prep: With an impressive road record, Saint Ignatius will likely lean on their top scorers and a high-energy first half to set the tone.
Implications for the Season
This game holds significant weight, not only for conference standings but also for postseason momentum. Both teams have yet to meet head-to-head this season, and with such closely matched performances, this encounter may serve as a preview of playoff action.
Prediction:
With Loyola Academy’s second-half dominance and home-court advantage, they might have a slight edge. However, Saint Ignatius’ road success and explosive starts mean this game could go down to the wire. One thing is certain: fans are in for an exciting battle between two of Illinois’ finest basketball programs.
