The St. James varsity basketball team (Murrells Inlet, SC) will host a home conference game against Carolina Forest (Myrtle Beach, SC) today at 7:30 PM.
Here’s what you need Basketball to know:
What: Oklahoma High School Basketball
Who: St. James vs Carolina Forest
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
Carolina Forest vs. St. James: A Key Conference Matchup
As the basketball season intensifies, all eyes are on the upcoming showdown between Carolina Forest and St. James. With both teams hailing from the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina, this rivalry has the potential to provide plenty of excitement. With contrasting records and play styles, this game will be crucial for both squads in their quest for a strong finish to the season.
Current Form and Season Outlook
Carolina Forest enters the game with a solid 10-2 overall record and a perfect 1-0 start to the region. The team has been impressive at home, boasting a 6-2 record, and has proven to be formidable on the road with an undefeated 4-0 mark. Their high-powered offense has been a major strength, averaging 71.3 points per game across all four quarters. The team’s success has been driven by standout player JJ Gray, who leads the team with 22.4 points per game, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.4 steals.
On the other hand, St. James holds a 7-5 overall record, but has struggled in region play with a 0-1 record. They have been solid at home with a 3-1 record but have experienced some inconsistency on the road with a 3-3 mark. St. James has had a difficult time maintaining a consistent offensive rhythm, averaging just 53.9 points per game, despite strong individual performances from players like team leader JJ Gray, who averages 22.4 points per game.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
Looking at head-to-head matchups, the teams have had somewhat different results against common opponents. Both teams have faced off against Wando, Georgetown, Conway, Socastee, North Myrtle Beach, and Myrtle Beach. Carolina Forest holds a 3-1 record against common opponents, while St. James fares slightly behind at 2-1.
In terms of scoring, Carolina Forest has a distinct advantage, particularly in their scoring breakdown. Carolina Forest has been an offensive juggernaut, especially in the first and second quarters, where they score an average of 15.9 and 17.5 points, respectively. In comparison, St. James has struggled to maintain consistency, with the team averaging 30.5 points in the first quarter but dropping off significantly in the later periods, with 7.0 and 8.0 points in the second and third quarters.
Key Players to Watch
The key matchup in this game will likely be between the star players of both teams. For Carolina Forest, JJ Gray’s dynamic scoring ability will be essential in their effort to secure a road win. With the ability to score from anywhere on the court and rebound effectively, he has been an anchor for the team all season.
For St. James, it will be crucial for their team to support their standout players with consistent contributions across the board. While JJ Gray has been the team’s scoring leader, players like Javion Barrett and Kade Taylor will need to step up with defensive plays and secondary scoring if the team hopes to remain competitive.
Game Preview
With the game set to tip off in just a few hours, Carolina Forest will look to build upon their strong start and maintain momentum against St. James. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. at St. James, and with both teams looking to improve their standings, this promises to be a thrilling matchup.
The season’s first meeting between these two teams takes place on January 10th, while the second game will be held later in the month on January 31st at Carolina Forest. Both games are vital for the playoff picture, making this rivalry even more intense.
Conclusion
As Carolina Forest and St. James prepare to clash, fans can expect a heated battle between two local rivals. Carolina Forest, with its high-scoring offense and impressive record, will look to extend its dominance, while St. James will be hungry for a strong performance to bounce back and improve their region standing. Both teams have plenty of talent, and this game will set the stage for an exciting continuation of their respective seasons.
