The Bishop Ireton varsity basketball team (Alexandria, VA) will play a home non-conference game against St. John’s Catholic Prep (Buckeystown, MD) today at 4:45 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: St. John’s Catholic Prep vs Bishop Ireton
When: Today, December 21, 2024
Time: 4:45 . p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: St. John’s Catholic Prep vs Bishop Ireton
As the 2024-2025 Virginia high school basketball season heats up, two teams making headlines are St. John’s Catholic Prep and Bishop Ireton. Both teams have been working hard to establish their presence in the state, and their early-season performances show promise. Let’s break down the key statistics and matchups that highlight these two schools’ journeys so far.
St. John’s Catholic Prep (24-25) Season Overview
St. John’s Catholic Prep is currently standing at a 2-3 record. The team has had a mixed bag of results with some promising moments, but they’ve struggled at times in away and neutral-site games. They have an impressive home record of 2-0, but on the road and in neutral-site games, they’ve faced more challenges, going 0-1 and 0-2, respectively. The team has scored 317 points while conceding 318, averaging 63.4 points per game across the first five games of the season.
Scoring Breakdown
St. John’s Catholic Prep has shown a balanced approach to scoring throughout the game. In the first quarter, they average 10.5 points, but they tend to pick up the pace in the second and third quarters, averaging 15.0 and 18.0 points, respectively. However, they face a dip in the final quarter, with only 10.5 points scored, which could explain some of their struggles in close games.
Bishop Ireton (24-25) Season Overview
In stark contrast, Bishop Ireton is enjoying an impressive start with a 6-1 overall record. They’ve been dominant in both league and non-league play, going 3-0 in both categories and holding a strong 1.000 region record. The team has shown remarkable consistency, scoring 476 points while allowing only 382, averaging 68.0 points per game.
Scoring Breakdown
Bishop Ireton has a dynamic scoring offense, especially in the first half of games. They average 20.5 points in the first quarter and 19.5 points in the second quarter, establishing a solid lead. While their scoring drops slightly in the third quarter (15.5 points) and fourth quarter (17.5 points), they have been able to maintain control throughout games, allowing them to keep opponents at bay and secure victories.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Looking at their season records, Bishop Ireton has been the more consistent team. With a .857 win percentage, they have proven themselves to be a dominant force, especially on their home court (3-0). On the other hand, St. John’s Catholic Prep has faced more challenges, sitting at .400 for the season, which shows that they still have room for growth. However, both teams have yet to face off in the regular season, so their future matchup will be a highly anticipated event that could shift the balance in their rivalry.
Notable Games and Highlights
Both teams have had standout performances so far in the season. St. John’s Catholic Prep’s Dec. 7 victory against Saint Michael the Archangel and Dec. 6 win against St. Vincent Pallotti were key moments for the team. Their victories came with high-scoring performances, especially in the second and third quarters, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level.
Bishop Ireton has also posted impressive results, such as their Dec. 14 victory over Hayfield Secondary School, a game that garnered significant attention with its thrilling highlights. Other notable games included victories over Bishop McNamara (Dec. 10) and St. Albans (Dec. 7), further cementing their dominance in the early season.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses. For St. John’s Catholic Prep, finding consistency in the final quarter and improving their performance on the road will be key. Bishop Ireton, on the other hand, will look to maintain their undefeated record in region play and continue their offensive efficiency.
Their next matchups, particularly the potential head-to-head game, will be crucial in determining how these teams will fare in the postseason. The rivalry is heating up, and fans can expect even more exciting basketball action from both squads as they continue their pursuit of glory in Virginia high school basketball.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Bishop Ireton is currently the stronger team on paper with their 6-1 record and dominant performances, St. John’s Catholic Prep remains a team with potential. As both teams continue their journey, their future matchups and overall development will be exciting to watch in the coming months. High school basketball fans can look forward to some intense games ahead!
