The Paul VI varsity basketball team (Chantilly, VA) will host a conference game against St. John’s (Washington, DC) on Friday, February 14, at 7:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: St. John’s vs Paul VI
When: Friday, February 14, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: St. John’s vs Paul VI
As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, Virginia’s Paul VI and Washington, D.C.’s St. John’s continue to establish themselves as two of the premier programs in the region. Both teams have delivered strong performances, exciting matchups, and a thrilling head-to-head encounter that has set the stage for a competitive season.
Paul VI’s Dominance in Virginia
Ranked No. 15 nationally and No. 3 in Virginia, Paul VI (21-5) has demonstrated their prowess in the region with a dominant 10-1 record in conference play. Their .808 winning percentage reflects a well-balanced team that thrives in both home (8-0) and away (7-1) environments. Paul VI’s scoring depth and defensive consistency have propelled them to success, outscoring opponents 1,748 to 1,371 over the course of the season.
A standout performance came on January 13, when Paul VI edged out St. John’s in a tight 63-58 victory. The team showed resilience in the second half, overcoming a first-quarter deficit and closing out the game strong with a 20-point fourth quarter. This win was a statement in an already impressive season, particularly given their strong record against common opponents (11-1).
St. John’s Holding Their Ground
Despite the setback against Paul VI, St. John’s has been formidable, boasting a 19-8 record. They hold the No. 87 national ranking and sit at No. 6 in Washington, D.C. Their home record (11-3) and overall conference performance (7-4) reflect their ability to compete at a high level.
St. John’s has excelled offensively, averaging 69.9 points per game, with key contributions from leading scorer Devin Toatley (15.8 PPG). Witherspoon and Clark have also played pivotal roles, leading in rebounds (5.8 RPG) and assists (4.0 APG), respectively. Though they fell short in their lone matchup against Paul VI, their ability to stay competitive in high-pressure situations suggests they remain a formidable challenger.
Statistical Breakdown: Key Comparisons
- Scoring Averages: St. John’s edges out Paul VI in total points per game (69.9 vs. 67.2), though Paul VI has shown a balanced attack with strong second-half performances.
- Defensive Strength: Paul VI has allowed fewer points per game (1,371 total) compared to St. John’s (1,482 total), a testament to their defensive discipline.
- Common Opponents: Paul VI holds a slight advantage with an 11-1 record against common foes, while St. John’s stands at 9-4.
- Head-to-Head Matchup: Paul VI leads the season series 1-0 following their 63-58 win in January.
What’s Next?
Both teams are set for another high-stakes showdown on February 14, when St. John’s travels to Paul VI for a critical conference rematch. With both teams vying for postseason positioning, this game could have significant implications for the standings.
Paul VI looks to extend their dominance, while St. John’s seeks redemption. Given their season trajectories, fans can expect a hard-fought battle between two elite programs. With playoff aspirations on the line, this upcoming contest could be the defining moment of the season for both teams.
