The Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale, FL) varsity basketball team will play a neutral tournament game against St. Joseph (Santa Maria, CA) today at 8:30 PM at Calvary Christian Academy. This game is part of “The Classic at Tennessee High School” tournament.

St. Joseph vs Calvary Christian Academy High School Basketball Game Info:

What: Florida High School Basketball
Who: St. Joseph vs CCA
When: Monday, December 30, 2024
Time: 8:30p.m.
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: St. Joseph vs Calvary Christian Academy

Today at 8:30 PM, the undefeated Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale, FL) will face off against St. Joseph (Santa Maria, CA) in a thrilling neutral-site matchup at the “Classic at Tennessee High School” tournament. Both teams enter the game with flawless records, setting the stage for an exciting battle between two powerhouse programs.

Team Overview: St. Joseph

St. Joseph comes into this game with an impeccable 11-0 record. Ranked 9th nationally and 3rd in California, the Knights have been dominant throughout the season, winning all their games and outscoring opponents by an average of 85.2 points per game. Their high-powered offense has been led by star player Tounde Yessoufou, who averages 29.4 points per game and has been a key contributor in rebounds (7.6 RPG) and steals (3.3 SPG).

In addition to Yessoufou, Julius Price has played an important role with 7.1 assists per game, while Abdoul Bare anchors the defense with 2.0 blocks per game. St. Joseph’s success has been rooted in their offensive firepower, but they also excel in the fundamentals, averaging 32.6 rebounds and 17.1 assists per game. The Knights’ success has been especially evident in neutral-site games, where they are undefeated at 6-0.

Team Overview: Calvary Christian Academy

Calvary Christian Academy is also off to an impressive start, boasting a perfect 9-0 record. Ranked 19th nationally and 1st in Florida, the Eagles have demonstrated both depth and consistency, averaging 79.7 points per game and allowing only 56.7 points per game. Led by standout player Shon Abaev, who averages 23.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, the Eagles are an all-around team with solid offensive and defensive play.

Abaev is complemented by key contributors like Cayden Daughtry, who averages 2.6 steals per game, and Micheal Ephraim, who provides strong defense with 0.8 blocks per game. Calvary Christian’s balanced play has allowed them to stay unbeaten, including a perfect 5-0 record in neutral-site games.

Stat Comparison:

Both teams are known for their high-scoring offenses. St. Joseph averages 85.2 points per game, while Calvary Christian follows closely behind with 79.7 points per game. However, Calvary Christian has a slight edge defensively, with a lower points allowed per game (51.1 compared to St. Joseph’s 57.8). Both teams are excellent on the boards, with Calvary Christian slightly ahead in rebounding, averaging 35.8 per game compared to St. Joseph’s 32.6.

Key Matchup:

The standout matchup in this game will be the battle between St. Joseph’s Tounde Yessoufou and Calvary Christian’s Shon Abaev. Yessoufou has been unstoppable on offense, but Abaev is a well-rounded player capable of matching his scoring output while providing significant rebounding and defensive contributions. The winner of this head-to-head battle could very well determine the outcome of the game.

Both teams have strengths on both ends of the floor, but St. Joseph’s offense, led by Yessoufou’s scoring and playmaking, will test Calvary Christian’s defense. Meanwhile, Calvary Christian’s balanced offense and rebounding ability will challenge St. Joseph’s defense, which has yet to face a team of this caliber.

Looking Ahead:

This game is a must-watch, as both teams are not only undefeated but also have championship aspirations. A win today would not only maintain their perfect records but also provide a confidence boost for the remainder of the season, especially in the context of a national-level tournament. With high stakes and high-level talent on display, this game will be one to remember.

Fans of both teams will be treated to a fast-paced and competitive showdown, with the added excitement of the tournament setting. It’s a clash between two of the best high school basketball teams in the country, and no matter the outcome, it will be a valuable test for both programs as they look to make a statement on the national stage.