The St. Cloud (FL) varsity basketball team is set to play a neutral tournament game against Upperman (Baxter, TN) today at 4:00 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Tennessee High School Basketball
Who: St. Cloud vs Upperman
When: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Time: 4:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Unbeaten Teams Face Off: A Closer Look at Upperman vs. St. Cloud

The 2024-2025 basketball season has seen two teams rise to the top of their respective states, each undefeated and proving their dominance on the court. Upperman from Tennessee and St. Cloud from Florida have both compiled impressive records, standing tall with perfect win-loss ratios. This article breaks down the numbers and highlights what makes these teams stand out.

Upperman (24-25)

From Tennessee, Upperman boasts a flawless 8-0 record, leading their class with authority. Their overall performance is bolstered by their strong offensive output and solid defensive play. In fact, Upperman has outscored their opponents 595 to 403, averaging an impressive 74.4 points per game.

Looking at Upperman’s performance by quarters:

• Q1: 28.0 points
• Q2: 20.0 points
• Q3: 25.0 points
• Q4: 15.0 points

These numbers reveal a well-rounded team that excels early, with a particularly high-scoring first quarter. They have a solid defense as well, with a points allowed average of just 50.4 per game, giving them a balanced edge in both scoring and stopping their opponents. Their stellar defense is complemented by their ability to dominate in various facets of the game. Upperman averages 29.7 rebounds, 17.0 assists, 10.5 steals, and 4.9 blocks per game.

Key players for Upperman include:

• Alex Springs: A leading scorer with 13.2 points per game.
• Malaki Baker: A force on the boards, averaging 6.5 rebounds per game and 2.9 blocks.
• Samuel Perez: The team’s playmaker, with 4.5 assists per game.

Upperman has made a significant mark both at home (4-0) and away (2-0), and their performance in neutral-site games (2-0) further cements their status as a championship contender.

St. Cloud (24-25)

On the other side, St. Cloud from Florida is just as dominant, boasting a perfect 12-0 record. Much like Upperman, they are a well-rounded team, excelling on both ends of the court. They’ve scored 791 points this season while allowing only 590, which translates to an average of 65.9 points per game. Despite scoring fewer points than Upperman, St. Cloud has been exceptional in their own right, with their average margin of victory being substantial.

Their scoring breakdown by quarters is as follows:

• Q1: 10.7 points
• Q2: 14.0 points
• Q3: 15.0 points
• Q4: 18.0 points

St. Cloud has a more even distribution of scoring, particularly in the second half, where they tend to ramp up their offensive output. Their defense has been equally effective, with a points allowed average of 49.2 per game.

On the statistical front, St. Cloud averages:

• 29.7 rebounds
• 17.0 assists
• 10.5 steals
• 4.9 blocks

Their standout player is Dior Ortiz, who leads the team in steals with 2.1 per game. Other key contributors include:

• Alex Springs: An offensive leader with 13.2 points per game.
• Malaki Baker: Leading the team in rebounds and blocks.

St. Cloud has excelled both at home (8-0) and away (3-0), with a perfect record in neutral-site games (1-0). They’ve also proven themselves in out-of-state matchups (1-0), showcasing their ability to compete outside their home environment.

Comparing the Teams

While both teams share an undefeated record, they show notable differences in their scoring and defensive schemes:

• Scoring: Upperman leads with 74.4 points per game, thanks to a potent offense that scores in bunches. In comparison, St. Cloud averages 65.9 points per game, focusing more on defense and balanced scoring.
• Rebounds: Both teams are equally strong in rebounding, with Upperman averaging 29.7 boards per game and St. Cloud slightly trailing at 29.7 per game.
• Assists: Upperman’s passing game is superior, with 17.0 assists per game compared to St. Cloud’s 17.0.
• Defense: St. Cloud has a strong defensive record, with fewer points allowed (590) than Upperman (595). Both teams excel in steals and blocks, with Upperman leading in blocks and St. Cloud in steals.

Head-to-Head and Outlook

Although both teams are undefeated, they have not yet faced off against each other. This means their encounter will be highly anticipated, as both sides look to continue their dominance. Upperman will bring their high-scoring offensive attack and balanced defense, while St. Cloud will rely on their strong second-half adjustments and formidable defense.

As the season progresses, both teams are poised for a playoff run, and the inevitable clash between these titans could shape the state and national rankings. Regardless of the outcome, these two programs have shown they are among the elite in high school basketball. The future certainly looks bright for both Upperman and St. Cloud as they continue to push toward perfection in a competitive season.

Fans will be eagerly watching for the showdown that promises to be a highlight of the season!