The Southern School of Energy and Sustainability (Durham, NC) varsity basketball team will face off against the Durham School of the Arts (Durham, NC) in a home conference game today at 7:30 p.m.
Here’s what you need Basketball to know:
What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: Southern School of Energy and Sustainability vs Durham School of the Arts
When: Friday, January 3, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
Durham School of the Arts vs. Southern School of Energy and Sustainability: A Basketball Showdown
As the basketball season progresses, two Durham-area schools are preparing for an exciting matchup. The Durham School of the Arts (DSA) and the Southern School of Energy and Sustainability (SSEAS) have distinct records so far in the 2024-2025 season, and their upcoming games are expected to showcase the contrasting styles and strengths of each team.
Team Overview
The Durham School of the Arts has faced significant challenges this season. With an overall record of 2-9 and a conference record of 0-1, the team has struggled both at home (2-5) and away (0-4). Despite these challenges, DSA has remained competitive, averaging 40.5 points per game (PPG) and showing potential, particularly in the third quarter, where they average 12.4 points. However, their defense has not been as strong, allowing an average of 744 points over the season, which places them at a disadvantage in their matchups.
On the other hand, the Southern School of Energy and Sustainability has had a strong season, boasting an 8-2 record overall and a perfect 1-0 conference record. With a solid 4-2 record at home and a flawless 2-0 record on the road, SSEAS has demonstrated resilience and consistency. Their scoring is impressive, with an average of 70.7 points per game and a much stronger defense, allowing only 572 points over the course of the season.
Key Players
For Durham School of the Arts, Tony McDonald leads the charge with an average of 9.0 points per game, followed by Shawne Dowdy, who pulls down 3.5 rebounds per game. However, the team has struggled with playmaking, with McDonald also leading in assists with just 2.1 per game.
SSEAS, meanwhile, relies on the scoring prowess of Jackson Keith, who is averaging 24.2 points per game and also leads the team with 6.7 rebounds per game. AJ Morman Jr. has been a key facilitator for the team, contributing 4.7 assists per game. The combination of Keith’s scoring and Morman Jr.’s playmaking has been essential to SSEAS’s success this season.
Scoring Averages
Comparing the two teams’ scoring averages highlights a stark difference in offensive output. DSA averages just 41.5 points per game, with their strongest period being the third quarter. In contrast, SSEAS is much more potent offensively, averaging 70.7 points per game, with consistent scoring across all four quarters.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced some common opponents this season, but the outcomes have varied dramatically. Durham School of the Arts has lost to Granville Central, Hillside, Riverside-Durham, and J.F. Webb, while SSEAS has defeated the same teams. This contrast in performance against similar competition highlights the strengths of SSEAS and the struggles DSA has faced so far.
Game Preview
As the two teams prepare for their upcoming conference games, all eyes will be on how DSA plans to challenge SSEAS’s high-scoring offense. With a game at SSEAS scheduled for January 14th and a return match on January 31st at DSA, fans can expect an intense rivalry.
While Durham School of the Arts will need to improve its scoring consistency and tighten its defense to compete, SSEAS will aim to maintain its dominant form and further extend its winning streak. These games will be pivotal in shaping the conference standings and could provide both teams with critical momentum heading into the latter half of the season.
Conclusion
This basketball season has been a tale of two teams with different trajectories. Durham School of the Arts will need to make significant improvements in offense and defense if they hope to compete with a strong SSEAS squad. With the high expectations surrounding SSEAS, the challenge for DSA will be formidable, but every game offers an opportunity to develop and improve. Both teams are gearing up for an exciting showdown, and fans can expect thrilling basketball action in the coming weeks.
