The South Laurel varsity basketball team (London, KY) will host Whitley County (Williamsburg, KY) for a home conference game today at 7:30 p.m.
South Laurel vs Whitley County Game Info:
What: Kentucky High School Basketball
Who: South Laurel (KY) vs Whitley County (KY)
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: South Laurel High School
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: South Laurel vs Whitley County
As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, two of Kentucky’s premier high school teams, Whitley County and South Laurel, are creating an exciting rivalry that basketball fans won’t want to miss. With both teams boasting impressive records and key players, these upcoming matchups are sure to be full of energy and competitive play. Here’s a closer look at each team’s performance and what to expect from their upcoming games.
Whitley County: Dominating the Court
Whitley County, based in Williamsburg, KY, is leading the pack with a strong 12-3 overall record. The team has been especially dominant in district play, going a perfect 1-0 in the district and 6-1 at home. They average 69.7 points per game, thanks to their well-rounded offense that shines in all quarters. In fact, they start strong, averaging 28 points in the first quarter alone, before maintaining consistency with 20 points in the third and 16 in the fourth.
Key Player: Jordan Mabe has been the standout for Whitley County, leading the team in multiple categories. He averages an impressive 17.7 points per game, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. His all-around play makes him a force on both ends of the floor, and he also contributes 2.3 steals per game.
In terms of team statistics, Whitley County is a formidable opponent across the board. They lead with strong scoring, rebounding, and defensive metrics, including 1.7 steals and 0.4 blocks per game. Their ability to maintain control and rack up points will be key in their continued success throughout the season.
South Laurel: A Strong Contender
South Laurel, from London, KY, is also proving to be a tough competitor, with a solid 9-3 record. They’ve been perfect at home with a 4-0 record but have shown vulnerability on the road, posting a 2-2 record away from home. On average, the team scores 59.3 points per game, but they face challenges in the second and fourth quarters, where they average just 10 and 8 points, respectively.
Key Player: While South Laurel’s star player isn’t as dominant in the scoring column as Whitley County’s Jordan Mabe, they still have strong contributors. Jordan Mabe’s counterpart, in terms of impact, is likely to be their leading scorer and defensive player.
South Laurel’s defense has been consistent, and their 0.9 steals per game will be crucial against the aggressive offense of Whitley County. They’ll need to step up their scoring in crucial moments to stand a chance in their upcoming matchups.
Head-to-Head Matchup
The rivalry between Whitley County and South Laurel will see a number of exciting games throughout the season, with the first game coming up at South Laurel on January 18 at 7:30 PM. Fans are eagerly awaiting this contest, where Whitley County will look to continue its strong form on the road, while South Laurel hopes to defend their home court.
Looking ahead, the return game will take place on January 28, when South Laurel heads to Williamsburg. Whitley County will look to take advantage of their home-court dominance in this critical district matchup.
Common Opponents and Past Results
Both teams have faced a series of common opponents this season, and the results have been interesting. Whitley County has a 2-1 record against shared opponents, while South Laurel has performed better, posting a 4-1 record. Notably, both teams won against Lynn Camp, but Whitley County fell to Clay County, while South Laurel emerged victorious in their encounter.
Their success against common opponents will likely play a role in their preparation for these key games. Whitley County has demonstrated resilience with significant victories against tough teams, including an 83-68 win over Williamsburg and a strong showing against Madison Central. On the other hand, South Laurel has shown their own mettle, particularly in a win over Knox Central and a 49-41 victory over North Laurel.
A Glimpse into the Future
Looking at the full season, both Whitley County and South Laurel have high aspirations. Whitley County will rely on its strong offensive output and balanced play across all four quarters, while South Laurel needs to find a way to improve its scoring consistency and strengthen its defense.
As their head-to-head matchups loom large, the outcome of these games will be crucial in deciding district supremacy and the path to the playoffs. Fans of high school basketball in Kentucky will definitely want to stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to this rivalry.
