The St. Mary’s Central High School (Bismarck, ND) varsity basketball team will host a home conference game against Williston (ND) today at 7:45 PM.
Here’s what you need Basketball to know:
What: North Dakota High School Basketball
Who: St. Mary’s Central vs Williston
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7:45. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
Williston and St. Mary’s Central: A Clash of Struggling Basketball Teams
As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season rolls on, two teams in North Dakota are facing off with a chance to turn around their struggling seasons. Williston (1-7 overall, 0-5 in district play) and St. Mary’s Central (2-5 overall, 1-3 in district play) will meet in a conference game that could provide a much-needed boost for either squad.
Williston’s Struggles
Williston’s basketball team has had a tough start to the season. With just one win under their belt (against a non-league opponent), their overall record is a mere 1-7. Their district play has been equally challenging, going 0-5, and they have been unable to make much of an impact on the road or at home. Williston’s overall scoring average is 52.9 points per game, and they have struggled defensively, allowing 659 points thus far.
Despite these hurdles, Williston’s upcoming game against St. Mary’s Central offers them an opportunity to gain some momentum. Playing away from home, Williston hopes to improve its record, which has been hindered by tough matchups against teams like Minot and Dickinson, where they were outmatched by large margins.
St. Mary’s Central: Slightly Better, But Still Struggling
St. Mary’s Central, based in Bismarck, has had a similarly difficult season. Their 2-5 overall record and 1-3 district record are not much better than Williston’s, but they have shown some signs of life. Their scoring average stands at 63.1 points per game, and they have faced some tough opponents as well, including Minot and Century, with mixed results. St. Mary’s Central has also struggled on the road, with a 1-3 record away from home. However, they will have the advantage of hosting Williston for this upcoming game, which could help them boost their chances.
Head-to-Head: A Preview of Things to Come
The Williston and St. Mary’s Central teams will meet twice in the coming months. The first match-up is scheduled for today, January 10, at St. Mary’s Central, while the second will take place in Williston on February 14. These games will likely be crucial for both teams, as they look to build some momentum for the remainder of the season.
Both teams have had their fair share of losses against tough opponents. Williston’s record against common opponents is 0-6, while St. Mary’s Central holds a 1-4 record. However, the head-to-head performance in these matchups could reveal how each team responds when facing a peer in similar circumstances.
Common Opponents: Lessons from Past Games
Looking at the common opponents shared by Williston and St. Mary’s Central, it’s clear that both teams have faced significant challenges. Williston has suffered heavy losses to teams like Minot, Dickinson, and Century, with some games being blowouts. St. Mary’s Central, though also struggling, has managed to win a game against Jamestown and has had closer matchups, such as a narrow defeat to Legacy.
One area to watch is how these teams perform against their district rivals in the second half of the season. Williston will need to improve on both offense and defense, and St. Mary’s Central will be hoping to capitalize on home-court advantage as the season progresses.
What to Expect: A Close Game Ahead
As both teams prepare for this important conference game, the performance of key players will likely determine the outcome. Williston’s chances of pulling off an upset will hinge on its ability to improve defensively and limit the scoring runs of St. Mary’s Central. On the other hand, St. Mary’s will look to leverage their scoring average of 63.1 points per game to outpace Williston.
While both teams may be facing a tough season, the outcome of these upcoming matchups could be pivotal in shifting momentum for the rest of the year. With both teams hoping to climb out of the lower ranks of the district standings, fans can expect a competitive game tonight in Bismarck.
Conclusion
In summary, the Williston vs. St. Mary’s Central game is shaping up to be a crucial showdown for two teams in need of a victory. Both teams have had their share of struggles, but they also have an opportunity to build something positive as the season progresses. Whether it’s Williston’s tough road mentality or St. Mary’s Central’s home advantage, the game tonight and the rematch in February could provide the spark needed for either team to turn their season around.
