The Southwind Varsity Basketball team (Memphis, TN) will play a home conference game against Cordova (TN) today at 7:00 PM.

Game Details:

• Teams: Cordova vs Southwind
• Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here

Basketball Rivalry Preview: Cordova vs Southwind

As the high school basketball season heats up, one of the most anticipated matchups is fast approaching: Cordova (7-7) will face Southwind (11-4) in a key conference game. Both teams are eager to add a win to their record, and with just hours before tipoff, fans and players alike are gearing up for an exciting contest.

Team Overview

Cordova enters the game with a .500 win percentage, having balanced its record at 7-7. The team has struggled in district play, holding a 1-2 record but has managed a respectable 2-1 mark at home. They have demonstrated offensive firepower, averaging 55.9 points per game, despite the inconsistency that has seen them come out victorious in some close games and fall short in others.

On the other hand, Southwind comes into this game with a much stronger overall record of 11-4 and a 2-1 district performance. The team has dominated on the road with a 5-0 away record, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure in hostile environments. Southwind’s offense has been one of the highest-scoring in the region, with an impressive 57.3 points per game. This success is rooted in their efficient and balanced attack.

Key Stats Comparison

• Points Per Game (PPG): Cordova averages 56.5 PPG, while Southwind boasts a slightly higher 57.3 PPG.
• Rebounds Per Game: Cordova collects 25.1 rebounds per game, with Kristopher Carrol leading the way at 5.8 RPG. Southwind averages 25.0 RPG, with no player contributing as significantly as Carrol.
• Assists Per Game: Cordova averages 9.2 assists per game, led by Justin Edwards with 2.4 assists. Southwind comes in at 12.1 assists per game, with Edwards’ counterpart, Ronald Towns, contributing 5.1 assists per game.
• Defensive Play: Cordova’s defense is highlighted by Austen Price, who averages 0.9 blocks per game. Southwind’s defense, in contrast, has a strong perimeter presence with more steals, averaging 0.9 steals per game.

Scoring Averages by Quarter

When analyzing scoring trends, Cordova tends to start slower in the first and second quarters, averaging just 6.8 and 9.8 points respectively. However, they explode in the fourth quarter, scoring 31.1 points on average. This surge can be critical in close games. Southwind, however, is consistent across all quarters, particularly in the second and third quarters, where they score 15.4 and 13.6 points, respectively. Their fourth-quarter performance drops slightly, but they still score an average of 14.6 points.

Head-to-Head Matchups

The game kicks off in just 14 hours with Cordova traveling to Southwind for a pivotal conference game. Historically, Southwind has had the upper hand in head-to-head matchups, and this game will certainly reflect that. However, Cordova has proven they can compete, as evidenced by their close win over Kirby earlier in the season.

In a future rematch on February 7th, Cordova will host Southwind in another exciting contest that could have major implications for both teams’ playoff chances.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, and their performances have been telling. Cordova has struggled against some teams, holding a 2-4 record against common opponents, while Southwind has shown their dominance with a 5-1 record. In particular, Southwind’s strong wins against teams like Fayette Ware and Collierville give them an edge going into the matchup.

Players to Watch

For Cordova, Ronald Towns has been the standout player, contributing 13.4 points per game and providing crucial scoring. Justin Edwards also plays an important role as both a scorer and playmaker. On Southwind’s side, Kristopher Carrol is the team’s top rebounder and an essential part of their defensive efforts. Austen Price has also been impressive with his shot-blocking ability.

Final Thoughts

This game promises to be a hard-fought contest with both teams showcasing their strengths. Cordova will look to leverage their late-game explosiveness to overcome Southwind’s well-rounded attack. Meanwhile, Southwind will aim to maintain their road dominance and continue their strong season. With playoff implications on the line, expect an intense and thrilling matchup in this Memphis-area basketball rivalry.