The Sprague High School (Salem, OR) varsity basketball team will host a home conference game against McNary High School (Keizer, OR) on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Oregon High School Basketball
Who: Sprague vs McNary
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 6:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

McNary vs. Sprague: A High-Stakes Basketball Showdown

As the high school basketball season heats up in Oregon, two teams are drawing the attention of fans, coaches, and analysts alike—McNary High School from Keizer and Sprague High School from Salem. These two teams are set to square off in a key conference matchup, with the first game happening this Friday, January 10, at Sprague. With the first tip-off scheduled for 6:30 PM, this game promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with their own strengths and motivations.

Current Team Performance and Records

Both teams come into this game with strong records. McNary holds an impressive 7-2 overall record, boasting a .778 win percentage. They are undefeated in home games (3-0) and perfect on neutral courts (4-0), though they have struggled in away games (0-2). Their offensive output has been solid, averaging 52 points per game across four quarters, with significant contributions from each period (9.0 in the first, 11.0 in the second, 16.0 in the third, and 11.0 in the fourth).

Sprague, with a 6-3 overall record and a .667 win percentage, also carries momentum into this game. Their home record (2-1) and neutral court performance (4-0) are solid, but their away performance has been less than ideal (0-2). Sprague has a more consistent scoring distribution, averaging 63.1 points per game—15.7 in the first quarter, 14.7 in the second, 13.3 in the third, and 14.0 in the fourth. This scoring balance might give Sprague an advantage in fast-paced games or late-game scenarios.

Head-to-Head: Key Matchups

The upcoming game is just the first of three regular-season contests between McNary and Sprague. Their rivalry intensifies with the game on January 10, followed by another encounter at McNary on January 28 and the final one on February 14, 2025. These games are set to have significant implications for both teams in terms of conference standings and playoff positioning.

Both teams share a common opponent, Caldera, with differing results. McNary lost to Caldera 63-58 on December 29, while Sprague defeated Caldera 73-47 on December 7. This contrasting result gives Sprague a slight edge heading into the matchup, though the teams are clearly capable of competitive play across different opponents.

Record Breakdown: The Numbers

McNary has displayed a well-rounded approach, with a 5-1 non-league record and only one loss on the road. They will need to improve their away performance if they hope to maintain their strong position. On the other hand, Sprague’s record is also strong, boasting a 4-1 non-league record. However, their loss to an out-of-state opponent in their only away game is something they’ll be looking to bounce back from.

What to Expect from the Game: Key Factors

• Scoring Balance: Sprague’s higher average scoring (63.1 points per game) could make them dangerous, especially given their strong first-quarter production. If McNary can contain Sprague’s early-game offense, they may have a chance to take control of the game later on.
• Home-Court Advantage: While McNary’s perfect record on neutral courts is impressive, their struggle on the road is a concern. Sprague, on the other hand, is formidable at home, and this could provide them with the upper hand in Friday’s game.
• Defensive Play: McNary has allowed an average of 47.7 points per game, compared to Sprague’s 49.6. Both teams will need to play tight defense, but McNary’s ability to shut down key Sprague players could swing the game in their favor.

Looking Ahead

As the rivalry unfolds with the upcoming games, expect each contest to feature intense basketball and passionate fanbases. McNary and Sprague are both talented teams, but the path to victory will require strategic planning, tight defense, and effective scoring.

Be sure to tune in this Friday at 6:30 PM as McNary heads to Sprague for what promises to be a thrilling start to an exciting basketball rivalry in Oregon high school sports.