The New Covenant varsity basketball team from Lynchburg, VA, will face Southampton Academy from Courtland, VA, in a neutral non-conference game on Friday, December 20, at 5:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Southampton Academy vs New Covenant
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 5:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Southampton Academy vs New Covenant
The 2024-25 high school basketball season in Virginia has presented contrasting narratives for Southampton Academy and New Covenant. These two teams, competing in different divisions, showcase intriguing performances, team dynamics, and statistical profiles. Let’s delve into their records, strengths, and standout players.
Season Performance and Records
Southampton Academy Raiders
Southampton Academy has had a challenging season with a 4-5 overall record and a win percentage of .444. The Raiders have struggled in their region (0-2) but have managed to secure a balanced home record of 2-2. Their offensive performance averages 59.2 points per game (PPG), slightly outscoring opponents by a narrow margin (533 PF vs. 506 PA).
Key highlights include:
- Neutral Site Advantage: Their single neutral game resulted in a win (1-0), showcasing potential in playoff-like settings.
- Close Games: Despite a losing record, Southampton has been competitive, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they average 14.5 points—their highest of any quarter.
New Covenant Gryphons
In contrast, New Covenant has dominated with a 7-1 overall record and an impressive win percentage of .875. The Gryphons have been unstoppable on the road, maintaining a perfect 3-0 away record. Their offensive and defensive prowess is evident, with 56.6 PPG and a robust defensive effort limiting opponents to just 332 total points allowed.
Key highlights include:
- Regional Strength: New Covenant remains undefeated in non-league games (7-1), reflecting their consistency.
- Balanced Performance: They boast superior team stats across rebounds, assists, and blocks compared to Southampton.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
Although Southampton Academy and New Covenant have not faced each other this season, their performances against common opponents offer insights:
- Grace Christian School: Both teams lost to this formidable opponent, with New Covenant putting up a closer fight (67-52) than Southampton (75-54).
- Brunswick Academy: Southampton fell short twice, while New Covenant secured a low-scoring victory (41-33), demonstrating their defensive resilience.
- Kenston Forest: New Covenant triumphed with a decisive 61-39 win, emphasizing their dominance.
New Covenant’s 2-1 record against shared opponents outshines Southampton’s 0-2, highlighting a significant gap in performance consistency.
Statistical Comparison
| Metric | Southampton Academy | New Covenant |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game (PPG) | 32.7 | 56.6 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 19.3 | 26.9 |
| Assists Per Game | N/A | 11.3 |
| Steals Per Game | 8.3 | 9.6 |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.0 | 2.3 |
New Covenant leads Southampton in nearly every statistical category, with standout team play reflected in their high assist and rebound numbers.
Player Highlights
Southampton Academy
- G Applewhite (#13): The team’s leader, averaging 13.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game, showcases versatility.
- J Holland (#33): A defensive force with 3.5 steals per game.
- RJ Sykes (#10): Contributes with 0.5 blocks per game, anchoring the interior defense.
New Covenant
- Cole Murdock (#23): A prolific scorer, leading the team with 15.4 PPG.
- Rusty Hooks (#34): Dominates the boards, averaging 7.7 rebounds per game.
- Tristan Isenhour (#11): A dual threat, excelling in assists (3.9 APG), steals (3.1 SPG), and blocks (0.7 BPG).
Conclusion
The 2024-25 season underscores the disparity between Southampton Academy’s rebuilding efforts and New Covenant’s dominance. While Southampton has bright spots in individual performances and late-game scoring, New Covenant’s cohesive team play, defensive intensity, and scoring depth make them a formidable contender in Virginia high school basketball. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see if Southampton can turn their competitive edge into consistent victories and how far New Covenant’s stellar form will take them.
