The St. Ignatius (Cleveland, OH) varsity basketball team will host Garfield Community Learning Center (Akron, OH) for a home non-conference game today at 3 p.m.
Here’s what you need Basketball to know:
What: Ohio High School Basketball
Who: St. Ignatius vs Garfield Community Learning Center
When: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Time: 3:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
GCLC vs. St. Ignatius: A Clash of Powerhouses in the 2024-2025 Season
The 2024-2025 high school basketball season has been full of excitement, with teams showing impressive form in their respective leagues. Two standout programs in Ohio are the Garfield Community Learning Center (GCLC) and St. Ignatius, each boasting a 5-1 overall record as they approach the heart of the season. While both teams have similar win-loss records, their performance across various stats tells a deeper story of what to expect when these two teams face off.
GCLC: Dominating in the Conference
With a 5-1 overall record, GCLC has been one of the top contenders in their division, boasting a perfect 4-0 conference record. Their offensive and defensive stats paint a picture of a well-rounded team, averaging 73.7 points per game. GCLC’s defense has been solid, allowing just 275 points over the course of their games, which translates into an impressive points-per-game average of 61.5. They have a balanced offense with a team effort to score and assist, but standout performances have come from players like Damon Friery, who leads the team with 22 points per game and 5.7 rebounds per game.
On the court, GCLC has shown they can deliver in crucial moments, averaging 23 points in the first quarter and maintaining a steady pace throughout the game. Their win percentage of .833 indicates their competitiveness, and they have proven to be a force in both home and away games.
St. Ignatius: A National Powerhouse
Ranked 75th in the nation and first in Ohio, St. Ignatius brings a different level of prestige and experience to the table. With their 5-1 record, the St. Ignatius team has been dominant in both league play and non-league matchups, particularly excelling in away games with a 4-1 record on the road. Their offensive strategy has been efficient, averaging 74.8 points per game and allowing 393 points across six games. This scoring average is slightly higher than GCLC’s, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Notably, St. Ignatius has balanced scoring, with key contributors across the board. Their standout players include Damon Friery’s counterpart, leading scorer from St. Ignatius, and key playmakers like Quinn Woidke, who averages 3 assists per game, displaying strong court vision and leadership. With a nearly identical team scoring output to GCLC, St. Ignatius has shown their ability to score quickly and in volume.
Statistical Breakdown: A Team Comparison
While both teams are equally matched in terms of overall records, their statistical differences provide further insight into their style of play:
| Statistic | GCLC | St. Ignatius |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 61.5 | 74.8 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 17.3 | N/A |
| Assists Per Game | 7.5 | N/A |
| Steals Per Game | 4.0 | N/A |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.3 | N/A |
GCLC has shown a strong defense with notable averages in steals and blocks, including individual performances like Steph Bohanah’s 1.5 steals per game. On the other hand, St. Ignatius’s offensive depth is evident in their higher points per game, which could be an advantage in high-scoring matchups.
Key Matchups and Upcoming Games
Both teams will have opportunities to face common opponents in the upcoming weeks. The next few matchups for both schools include games against Louisville and Buchtel. While GCLC has yet to face off against Buchtel, St. Ignatius will play them in mid-January. These upcoming games will provide insights into how both teams compare against similar competition, especially in non-league matchups.
Conclusion
As both GCLC and St. Ignatius continue to impress with their respective records, the potential for an exciting matchup is evident. GCLC’s balanced team approach, solid defense, and key performances from standout players like Damon Friery position them as a formidable opponent. However, St. Ignatius’s offensive firepower and deep bench make them an equally dangerous team. Whether on the road or at home, both teams will look to continue their success and solidify themselves as leaders in Ohio basketball this season.
As we approach the new year, the stakes will only rise. Fans can expect a thrilling rivalry as both teams battle to maintain their undefeated conference records and aim for a strong finish in the regular season.
