The Saint James varsity basketball team (Hagerstown, MD) will be playing a home conference game against Sidwell Friends (Washington, DC) today at 5:30 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington, DC High School Basketball
Who: Sidwell Friends vs Saint James
When: Friday, February 14, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Sidwell Friends vs Saint James
The Sidwell Friends (Washington, DC) varsity basketball team has been turning heads this season with an impressive record of 17-5 overall, bolstered by an 8-1 performance in league play. On the other hand, the Saint James varsity basketball team (Hagerstown, MD), despite some struggles this season, shows resilience with a 7-17 record overall, and a 2-8 mark in their regional competition. A closer look at their performances and head-to-head stats tells the story of two teams striving for dominance in their respective leagues.
Sidwell Friends: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Sidwell Friends is enjoying a strong season with a .773 overall win percentage, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the court. They have excelled particularly in home games, where they boast a perfect 6-0 record. Their defense has been solid, giving up just 968 points across 22 games, while their offense has scored 1,156 points, averaging 52.5 points per game.
Their standout players include Jalen Rougier-Roane, leading the team with 13.1 points per game. Ian Condon has also been a key contributor, especially on the boards, pulling down 6.0 rebounds per game. Acaden Lewis helps run the offense with 4.0 assists per game, and Jadah Washington leads the team with 2.7 steals per game. As of their last matchup against Saint James, Sidwell Friends demonstrated their strength by defeating the Maryland squad 49-23.
Saint James: Overcoming Adversity
Saint James, despite a challenging season, remains determined. Their offense has been prolific, averaging 57.7 points per game, though their defense has struggled, allowing 1,513 points, which translates to 57.5 points per game allowed. Jayden Yates has been a standout player, leading the team with 20.6 points per game. Christian Gladchuk is another key contributor, not only scoring but also posting 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.
Saint James has faced tough opponents and struggled to maintain a competitive edge in most games. However, they continue to fight, most recently losing to Sidwell Friends in a decisive 49-23 defeat. Their other losses to teams like Flint Hill, St. Andrew’s Episcopal, and Potomac School have been tough, but they’re striving to bounce back and refine their game for the rest of the season.
Head-to-Head Matchup
The most recent matchup between Sidwell Friends and Saint James, played on January 21, 2025, was a one-sided affair with Sidwell Friends emerging victorious 49-23. Sidwell Friends’ defense stifled Saint James’ offense, allowing just 23 points, and their own offensive efficiency led them to a comfortable win. This game was part of a larger trend, with Sidwell Friends holding a commanding 7-1 record against common opponents, compared to Saint James’ 2-8 record in the same matchups.
Team Comparisons: Scoring, Rebounds, and More
Sidwell Friends and Saint James may have similar team stat averages in some areas, but Sidwell Friends clearly excels in key categories. While Saint James has averaged more points per game (57.7) than Sidwell Friends (52.5), the latter’s consistency on both offense and defense gives them the edge. Sidwell Friends has a stronger overall rebound average, pulling down 24.7 rebounds per game, compared to Saint James’ 24.8. They also lead in steals per game (9.0 vs. 8.4).
In individual statistics, Jalen Rougier-Roane is the clear offensive leader for Sidwell Friends, while Saint James relies heavily on the scoring prowess of Jayden Yates. Both teams boast solid rebounders, with Ian Condon and Christian Gladchuk anchoring their respective teams in the paint.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
With Sidwell Friends showing great form this season, their focus will be on securing top seed positioning for the playoffs. Their upcoming games, including one against Flint Hill on February 15, 2025, will be crucial in determining their final standing.
For Saint James, the season may have been tough, but with a young roster and room for growth, they will look to finish strong and use their experiences to build for the future. Their next matchup against Sidwell Friends on February 15, 2025, will be a test of their resilience and ability to compete against a top-tier team.
Conclusion: The Road to the Playoffs
Sidwell Friends and Saint James are two teams with contrasting seasons, yet both share a passion for the game. Sidwell Friends is on track for a successful season, while Saint James continues to grow despite the challenges. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how each team performs, with Sidwell Friends looking to build on their success and Saint James striving to end their season on a high note. The excitement of high school basketball in the Washington, DC area continues to unfold!