The Southern Lee High School (Sanford, NC) varsity basketball team will host Pinecrest High School (Southern Pines, NC) for a home conference game on Friday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know Basketball:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Southern Lee vs Pinecrest
When: Friday, December 13, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Pinecrest vs. Southern Lee: A Head-to-Head Basketball Showdown

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season heats up, fans in Southern Pines and Sanford are gearing up for an exciting rivalry clash between the Pinecrest Patriots and the Southern Lee Cavaliers. This highly anticipated conference matchup will take place on Friday, December 13, at 7:30 p.m. in Sanford, NC, and promises to be an electrifying game between two teams with very different, but impressive, records.

Pinecrest Patriots: Strong Start to the Season

The Pinecrest Patriots have had a solid start to the 2024-2025 season with an overall record of 4-2. In conference play, they’re 1-0, showing a strong performance at home with a perfect 3-0 record, though they have struggled slightly on the road with a 1-2 mark. With a scoring average of 53.5 points per game, Pinecrest has managed to outscore their opponents, but has sometimes found themselves in tight games.

Their offense has been fairly consistent throughout the quarters, averaging 13.0 points in the first, 15.3 in the second, and 15.5 in the third, with a slight dip to 14.0 in the final period. Recent victories include a thrilling win over South View (81-77) and a hard-fought 62-58 win against Richmond, showcasing their resilience in close contests. However, their tough loss to Overhills (76-31) has highlighted areas of improvement, particularly on defense.

Southern Lee Cavaliers: Perfect Start

On the other side of the court, the Southern Lee Cavaliers have been on an absolute tear this season, boasting a perfect 9-0 record. They have dominated both in conference (2-0) and non-conference play (7-0), and remain undefeated at home (6-0) and on the road (3-0). With an impressive 70.6 points per game, Southern Lee’s offense has been high-powered, especially in the fourth quarter, where they average 21.0 points per game, outscoring their opponents in the final stretch.

Southern Lee’s game consistency is reflected in their scoring averages as well, with 18.3 points per quarter in both the first and second, followed by 13.0 in the third, and finishing strong with 21.0 in the fourth. Their most recent victory came in dominant fashion, with an 81-62 win over Richmond, while also taking down South View 69-52 earlier in the season. Their defense has been stingy, allowing only 375 points through their first nine games.

Common Opponents: A Snapshot of Competition

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with Southern Lee maintaining a perfect 4-0 record against these teams, while Pinecrest holds a respectable 2-1 record.

• Overhills: Pinecrest suffered a tough 76-31 loss to Overhills on November 26, while Southern Lee defeated them 62-42 in their first meeting on November 15.
• South View: Pinecrest won 81-77 against South View on December 5, while Southern Lee triumphed 69-52 over the same team on November 22.
• Richmond: Pinecrest edged Richmond 62-58 on December 10, while Southern Lee cruised to an 81-62 victory on December 6.
• Scotland: Southern Lee had a dominant 90-36 victory over Scotland on December 10, while Pinecrest will face them later in the season.

The Game Ahead: December 13 Showdown

The upcoming game between Pinecrest and Southern Lee will be a crucial matchup for both teams, especially as they continue to build momentum in their respective conferences. Pinecrest will be looking to build off their recent wins and improve their performance on the road, while Southern Lee will be aiming to extend their unbeaten streak and prove they can sustain their high level of play against a strong team like Pinecrest.

Key Factors to Watch

• Pinecrest’s Defensive Adjustments: After a challenging loss to Overhills, Pinecrest’s defense will need to tighten up to contain Southern Lee’s explosive offense.
• Southern Lee’s Fourth Quarter Dominance: The Cavaliers have been known to close games strong. Pinecrest will need to match their intensity in the final period to keep the game competitive.
• Scoring Efficiency: Pinecrest’s balanced scoring could be a challenge for Southern Lee, but the Cavaliers’ ability to rack up points quickly could wear down their opponents.

With both teams bringing high stakes and impressive records to the table, this promises to be an exciting contest that fans won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars for Friday, December 13, as the Pinecrest Patriots take on the Southern Lee Cavaliers in a thrilling conference clash.