The Cottonwood (Salt Lake City, UT) varsity basketball team will play a home non-conference game against Sky View (Smithfield, UT) on Monday, December 16, at 7 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Sky View vs Cottonwood
When: Today, December 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Sky View vs Cottonwood
As the Utah high school basketball season progresses into December, two teams that have shown their potential in the 2024-2025 season are Sky View and Cottonwood. With varying records and statistics, both teams offer an exciting glimpse into the dynamic world of Utah high school basketball.
Team Overview
Sky View has a balanced record with a 4-5 overall mark, including a strong 4-1 home record. However, they have struggled on the road, going 0-3 away and 0-1 in neutral-site games. Their overall win percentage stands at .444, showing a competitive team that has room to grow. With 454 points scored and 500 points allowed so far, Sky View is averaging 50.4 points per game. This offensive output is led by standout player Zachary Oxborrow, who leads the team with 14.0 points per game. The team also excels in rebounds with Davis Crossley grabbing 5.5 boards per game.
On the other hand, Cottonwood has posted a solid 5-3 overall record, including a perfect 3-0 in region play. Their home record stands at 1-2, while they are 1-1 in away games and 1-1 in neutral-site matchups. Cottonwood’s overall win percentage is .625, a strong performance that reflects their offensive and defensive balance. Scoring 560 points while allowing 507, they average 70.0 points per game, outpacing Sky View by nearly 20 points. John Rosevear leads Cottonwood with an impressive 23.4 points per game, while Bo Smith grabs a team-high 7.8 rebounds.
Scoring and Key Stats
One of the most noticeable differences between these two teams is their scoring ability. Sky View averages 50.4 points per game, while Cottonwood posts an average of 70.0 points per game, indicating a significant gap in offensive production. The difference is most apparent in the second half, where Cottonwood’s scoring increases from 35.3 points in the first half to 37.0 in the second, while Sky View scores 26.4 points after halftime. This suggests that Cottonwood may have a more potent second-half performance, often closing games strong.
In terms of individual statistics, Sky View’s Zachary Oxborrow is not only the top scorer but also contributes defensively with 1.2 steals per game. Matt Hiatt provides a defensive presence with 1.0 blocks per game. For Cottonwood, Luke Park serves as an all-around contributor, with 9.0 assists per game alongside 1.3 steals, and Luka Cecez offers a shot-blocking presence with 2.7 blocks per game.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
While Sky View and Cottonwood haven’t faced each other yet this season, both teams have encountered some common opponents. One key matchup was against Provo, where Sky View lost 69-41 on November 21st, while Cottonwood earned a 65-52 win over the same team on December 5th. This highlights Cottonwood’s stronger overall performance against common opponents so far.
Breakdown by Record
Both teams have demonstrated strong in-state performances. Sky View has gone 3-4 in-state, while Cottonwood holds a 3-3 record. Where Cottonwood has truly excelled is in their region play, with a perfect 3-0 region record. Sky View’s 4-1 home record shows they are competitive when playing on their home court but need to improve in their away and neutral-site games.
Conclusion
As the season continues, Cottonwood appears to be the more dominant force with their high-scoring offense and strong region play. However, Sky View has shown potential, especially at home, and with key players like Zachary Oxborrow, they will look to improve and challenge their opponents as the season progresses. The matchup between these two teams will certainly be one to watch as they continue their campaigns toward region titles and the state playoffs.