The Shining Star Sports Academy (Petersburg, VA) varsity basketball team will face off against Bull City Prep National (Charlotte, NC) in a neutral, non-conference game on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 7:10 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Prep Schools High School Basketball
Who: Shining Star Sports Academy vs Bull City Prep National
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7:10. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Bull City Prep National vs. Shining Star Sports Academy: A Comparative Breakdown of the 2024-2025 Seasons

The 2024-2025 basketball seasons for Bull City Prep National and Shining Star Sports Academy have showcased distinct paths, with both teams carving out their narratives through their performances, statistics, and matchups. In this analysis, we’ll dive into the key stats, records, and how the two teams compare.

Overall Performance and Record Comparison

Bull City Prep National (NC):
Bull City Prep National has experienced a challenging season, ending with a 5-10 overall record. Their performance at home has been solid, going 1-0, while they’ve struggled on the road with a 0-6 away record. However, they’ve found a good balance in neutral-site games, finishing 4-4. Despite their losing record, they’ve managed to score a total of 1,008 points but have conceded 1,060.

Shining Star Sports Academy (VA):
Shining Star Sports Academy, on the other hand, has fared better with a 7-5 overall record. Their regional performance has been particularly strong with a perfect 3-0 record. They’ve been dominant at home with a 6-1 mark but faced challenges away, posting a 1-3 record, and a 0-1 neutral-site record. Their offense has been effective, with 859 points scored and 838 points allowed.

Team Scoring Averages

When it comes to scoring, Shining Star Sports Academy has had the edge with an average of 71.6 points per game, compared to Bull City Prep National’s 67.2. Despite this, both teams show resilience in their efforts across the four quarters:

• Bull City Prep National’s Quarter Breakdown:
  • Q1: 19.0
  • Q2: 22.3
  • Q3: 23.3
  • Q4: 19.0
• Shining Star Sports Academy’s Quarter Breakdown:
  • Q1: 19.5
  • Q2: 17.2
  • Q3: 15.9
  • Q4: 19.5

Both teams tend to score heavily in the first quarter, but Shining Star’s ability to maintain consistency through the final quarter has often been key to their stronger overall performance.

Key Statistical Leaders

Bull City Prep National has seen standout performances, particularly from Babacar Ly, who leads the team in points (15.3 PPG), rebounds (8.9 RPG), assists (4.8 APG), and steals (2.5 SPG). His all-around contributions make him a pivotal player for the team.

Shining Star Sports Academy has been led by Cheikh Thiam, who stands out with an impressive 8.9 rebounds per game. However, Babacar Ly remains the standout individual across the board in comparison to Shining Star’s leaders. His contribution in multiple categories sets Bull City Prep National apart in terms of individual performance.

Team Stat Comparison

• Bull City Prep National:
  • Points Per Game: 67.2
  • Rebounds Per Game: 35.6
  • Assists Per Game: 12.8
  • Steals Per Game: 8.6
  • Blocks Per Game: 2.3
• Shining Star Sports Academy:
  • Points Per Game: 71.6
  • Rebounds Per Game: 35.6
  • Assists Per Game: 12.8
  • Steals Per Game: 8.6
  • Blocks Per Game: 2.3

Both teams have similar statistical averages in categories like rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. However, Shining Star’s higher offensive output has allowed them to edge out Bull City Prep in terms of total points scored.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Results

Both teams have faced Lab University Prep Regional, and both managed victories. Bull City Prep National dominated with a 114-86 win on November 29, 2024, while Shining Star Sports Academy secured a closer 82-78 victory on November 15, 2024.

The commonality in these matchups illustrates that both teams can rise to the occasion, though Shining Star Sports Academy’s ability to stay close and win against difficult opponents may suggest a stronger overall competitiveness.

Record Breakdown by Category

• Bull City Prep National:
  • Home: 1-0
  • Away: 0-6
  • Neutral: 4-4
  • Non-League: 5-10
• Shining Star Sports Academy:
  • Home: 6-1
  • Away: 1-3
  • Neutral: 0-1
  • Non-League: 4-3

In-state records show that both teams perform similarly when playing against regional teams, with Bull City Prep maintaining a 5-8 record in-state, while Shining Star Sports Academy is 5-2.

Conclusion

While both Bull City Prep National and Shining Star Sports Academy have their strengths and challenges, Shining Star has been the more consistent team overall. Their impressive performance in the region and their ability to close games out strong have been key factors in their success. On the other hand, Bull City Prep National has shown flashes of brilliance, especially from individual players like Babacar Ly, but has struggled with consistency.

As the season continues, both teams have the opportunity to refine their play and challenge for higher rankings, but Shining Star’s stronger overall record and more consistent performances place them slightly ahead in the 2024-2025 season’s race.