The St. Francis Indian High School (St. Francis, SD) varsity basketball team is set to play a neutral non-conference game against West Central (Hartford, SD) today at 7:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: South Dakota High School Basketball
Who: St. Francis Indian vs West Central
When: Saturday, January 4, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Team Analysis: West Central vs. St. Francis Indian

As the 2024-2025 basketball season progresses, the teams from West Central and St. Francis Indian have shown distinct styles and performances in their games. Let’s break down their overall performance, statistics, and team comparisons.

West Central’s Strong Start

West Central has been dominating the field with a flawless 5-0 record in the early part of the season. Their perfect record extends across both league and non-league play, as they’ve maintained a 1.000 win percentage, especially excelling in neutral-site games, where they’re 3-0. They’ve managed to score 290 points while allowing 213, giving them an average of 58.0 points per game (PPG). Their defense has also been solid, with an average of just over 42 points allowed per game.

Key Players & Stats

• Points Per Game Leader: John Gunhammer leads the charge with an impressive 16.0 PPG, a standout performer for West Central.
• Rebounds Per Game Leader: Ty Fast Horse-Valandra has grabbed an average of 3.5 rebounds per game.
• Assists Per Game Leader: Mackenzie Wike averages 3.3 assists per game, showing a well-rounded game.
• Steals & Blocks: Mackenzie Wike also leads with 1.8 steals per game, while Ashton Spotted War Bonnet has contributed 0.7 blocks per game.

Their team stats indicate that West Central’s strong scoring and defensive play, particularly in the second and third quarters, have played a key role in their undefeated record.

St. Francis Indian: A Competitive Team

St. Francis Indian has been competitive this season with a 3-2 overall record. They’ve had mixed results in both league (0-1) and non-league (2-1) games, but their overall scoring numbers stand out. The team has averaged 66.6 points per game (PPG), a notable offensive performance when compared to their defensive counterpart, West Central. Their games are high-scoring, as they outpace opponents, averaging over 21 points in the fourth quarter, making them a team capable of closing games strong.

Key Players & Stats

• Points Per Game Leader: St. Francis Indian’s offensive leader is #0, who scores an average of 16.0 PPG.
• Rebounds Per Game Leader: The top rebounder is Ty Fast Horse-Valandra, with 3.5 rebounds per game.
• Assists Per Game Leader: Mackenzie Wike stands out in this category as well, averaging 3.3 assists per game.
• Steals & Blocks: Wike also leads with 1.8 steals per game, while Ashton Spotted War Bonnet contributes with 0.7 blocks per game.

St. Francis Indian’s strong fourth-quarter performances are a testament to their resilience, often outscoring opponents in the final period. With a team-oriented approach and an emphasis on closing games, they remain a team to watch closely.

Team Comparison

• Offensive Power: St. Francis Indian leads in scoring with an average of 66.6 PPG compared to West Central’s 58.0 PPG. Their aggressive offense, especially in the later stages of games, makes them a dangerous team in close contests.
• Defensive Performance: West Central, however, boasts a more balanced defensive approach, allowing only 42.6 PPG. Their efficiency on both ends of the floor, particularly their second- and third-quarter dominance, shows their capability to control games and keep opponents at bay.
• Key Matchup: Both teams excel in individual player statistics, with West Central’s John Gunhammer leading in points per game and St. Francis Indian’s Mackenzie Wike contributing heavily across multiple categories, including steals and assists.

Conclusion

As both teams continue to navigate their respective schedules, West Central stands out with their undefeated record and consistent play. However, St. Francis Indian, with its high-scoring offense and ability to close out games, should not be underestimated. The clash between these two teams, especially in upcoming matchups, promises to be an exciting contest, as both have the potential to make deep runs in the season.

The key takeaway from their current performances is that West Central relies on balanced offense and defense, while St. Francis Indian’s high-scoring offense and fourth-quarter intensity will make them a formidable opponent. This rivalry will continue to evolve as the season unfolds.