The Springfield (OH) varsity basketball team will host a home non-conference game against St. Xavier (Cincinnati, OH) today at 4:00 PM.

Matchup Details:

• Teams: St. Xavier vs. Springfield
• Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
• Time: 4:00 PM
• Location: Springfield (OH)
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

St. Xavier vs. Springfield: A Comprehensive Basketball Comparison

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, the St. Xavier and Springfield teams offer contrasting performances, and a closer look at their statistics highlights their strengths and challenges. Below, we analyze the teams’ overall records, scoring averages, key players, and comparison of common opponents, providing insights into the dynamics of both teams.

Team Overview

St. Xavier (12-3 overall, 2-0 conference) has displayed impressive dominance, especially in conference play where they boast a perfect 2-0 record. They have a strong 7-1 record at home and a balanced performance away from home with a 2-0 record in neutral-site games. Their overall win percentage stands at a robust .800, and they score an average of 52.2 points per game, demonstrating their efficiency on both ends of the court.

In contrast, Springfield (4-6 overall, 2-4 conference) has struggled to maintain consistency, with a 2-4 record in conference play and a 1-5 mark on the road. Their overall win percentage is .400, and they score an average of 60.3 points per game, which is higher than St. Xavier but indicative of a more volatile offensive output, as they have scored as high as 64 points but also struggled to hit the 40-point mark in other matchups.

Scoring Averages

Looking at their scoring trends, St. Xavier maintains a well-distributed offensive output throughout the game, scoring 13.2 points in the first quarter, 11.7 in the second, 14.0 in the third, and 11.2 in the fourth. This indicates that they tend to play a balanced and steady style, without drastic fluctuations in their offensive rhythm.

On the other hand, Springfield shows more inconsistency in their scoring quarters. They average 16.0 points in the first quarter, 15.8 in the second, and then drop off in the third with just 11.7 points before recovering in the fourth quarter with 18.3 points. They also show an ability to score in overtime, with a 3-point average in OT, suggesting that they thrive in close games or tight finishes.

Key Players

St. Xavier is led by standout player Donovan Waleskowski, who averages 14.4 points per game, making him the team’s primary offensive weapon. Other key contributors include Jacob Wassler, who averages 7.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, and Brendan Deeley, who contributes 1.9 steals per game. St. Xavier’s defensive strengths are evident, as their 6.5 steals and 1.8 blocks per game show their active presence on that side of the ball.

Springfield, however, does not have a player on the same scoring level as Waleskowski. Their scoring is more spread out across their lineup, but they will need more consistency from players like Jacob Wassler, who leads the team in rebounds (7.5) and assists (3.2), to compete at a high level. Their defense is less aggressive, but with players contributing both offensively and defensively, Springfield’s game plan revolves around a more team-oriented approach.

Head-to-Head Comparison

In terms of head-to-head matchups, St. Xavier has had the upper hand against common opponents, winning both of their games. Their victories against teams like Fairmont (45-38) and Beavercreek (64-32) showcase their ability to dominate when playing in their home gym. Springfield, however, has yet to face some of these common opponents, and the February matchups against Fairmont and Beavercreek will be crucial to their season.

Record Breakdown

St. Xavier enjoys a strong home court advantage, posting a 7-1 record at home. Their non-league performances (9-2) further demonstrate their ability to succeed against a variety of competition. In contrast, Springfield has shown a much more challenging season, with a 3-0 record at home but an alarming 1-5 record away. Their struggles on the road will need to be addressed if they are to become a serious contender.

In terms of in-state versus out-of-state games, St. Xavier has had more success in both categories, with a 7-1 record in-state compared to Springfield’s 4-6. Springfield has yet to play any out-of-state games this season, leaving an area of their schedule where they could see some growth.

Conclusion

St. Xavier’s overall consistency, particularly in conference play, gives them an edge over Springfield in terms of record and scoring balance. Springfield’s higher scoring average (60.3) is a positive aspect, but their inconsistency, especially in away games, could be their downfall as they try to build momentum. As both teams prepare for upcoming matchups, St. Xavier will look to continue their dominance, while Springfield will need to find ways to solidify their offense and improve their defensive efforts to stay competitive in a tough conference.