The Shawnee (Lima, OH) varsity basketball team will host a home non-conference game against Lima Central Catholic (Lima, OH) today at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Ohio High School Basketball
Who: Shawnee vs Lima Central Catholic
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Lima Central Catholic vs. Shawnee: A Basketball Rivalry Heating Up

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, the rivalry between Lima Central Catholic (LCC) and Shawnee continues to captivate fans in Lima, Ohio. Both teams are having standout seasons, with Shawnee boasting an impressive 7-1 record and Lima Central Catholic at 4-2. These teams not only represent their schools but also the heart of high school basketball in the region, and their recent matchups have been nothing short of exciting.

Team Performance Breakdown

Lima Central Catholic
The LCC Thunderbirds have had a solid start to the season with a 4-2 overall record, sitting atop their conference standings with a 1-1 mark. They have shown resilience both at home and on the road. With an overall scoring average of 61.3 points per game, LCC has demonstrated the ability to put up points when needed. However, their performance in the fourth quarter has been a challenge, averaging just 12.0 points in the final stanza. Despite this, their ability to battle through tough games, such as their recent victory over Shawnee in overtime (66-63), highlights their fighting spirit.

Shawnee
In contrast, Shawnee has been the powerhouse in their division with a dominant 7-1 overall record and a perfect 2-0 in conference play. Averaging 64.6 points per game, Shawnee’s offensive consistency across all quarters, especially in the second half, has been remarkable. Their scoring balance has helped them control games, with a strong finish to most of their matchups. Shawnee’s ability to turn up the intensity in the second half, averaging 16.7 points in both the third and fourth quarters, has made them a tough team to beat.

Key Players to Watch

For Lima Central Catholic, Beckett Bertke is a standout player, leading the team with 22.6 points per game and contributing an impressive 8.6 rebounds per game. Bertke’s ability to both score and rebound makes him an essential piece of LCC’s offensive and defensive schemes. Another key player is Trevick Bertke, who averages 4.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game, helping his team maintain their pace and rhythm during games.

Shawnee’s top performer, Beckett Bertke, also shines in scoring and rebounding, putting up 22.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Additionally, Trevick Bertke makes his mark as an assist leader, dishing out 4.1 assists per game. His court vision is crucial in creating opportunities for his teammates.

Recent Matchups and Rivalry Intensity

The intensity of the rivalry was on full display during their recent encounter on November 30th, when Lima Central Catholic edged Shawnee in overtime, 66-63. The Thunderbirds were led by their strong first half, scoring 22 points in the opening quarter and keeping Shawnee at bay until the late stages of the game. Shawnee mounted a fourth-quarter comeback, scoring 24 points, but fell short after an overtime period.

Looking ahead, both teams will be facing common opponents such as Elida and Van Wert, with each team holding a perfect 2-0 record against those teams. These common opponents will serve as a valuable measuring stick for both squads as they look to further sharpen their skills and maintain momentum.

Looking Ahead

Both teams will continue to face tough competition throughout the season. For Lima Central Catholic, their road ahead will see them facing strong teams like Ottawa-Glandorf and Kalida. Meanwhile, Shawnee will look to extend their dominance with upcoming matchups against teams like Crestview and Defiance.

With their contrasting playing styles and the competitive nature of the rivalry, these two teams will continue to battle for supremacy in Lima. As the season progresses, expect more thrilling contests as these high school basketball powerhouses continue their pursuit of championship glory.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Lima Central Catholic and Shawnee is more than just about basketball—it’s about pride, school spirit, and the heart of Lima. With both teams posting strong performances early in the season, their upcoming matchups promise to be just as exciting and hard-fought as the one we witnessed in overtime. Basketball fans in Lima are in for a thrilling season as these two teams continue to showcase their talents on the court.