The St. John’s varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against St. Mary’s Ryken on Friday, January 31, at 7:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Washington, DC High School Basketball
Who: St. Mary’s Ryken vs St. John’s
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: St. Mary’s Ryken vs St. John’s
As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season continues, two teams from the Washington D.C. area have been making headlines for their performances. St. Mary’s Ryken (Leonardtown, MD) and St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) have had contrasting journeys in the league, with one team fighting to improve and the other enjoying a more successful run.
St. Mary’s Ryken: Struggling for Consistency
St. Mary’s Ryken has had a tough season so far, compiling a 5-17 overall record, with a bleak 0-7 mark in league play. The team’s struggle to find consistency has been reflected in their scoring averages. They’ve averaged 54.8 points per game, but often find themselves unable to keep up with stronger opponents.
The Knights have been outscored 1,446 to 1,206 over the season, averaging just over 23 points a game across four quarters. They’ve had a rough time in both home and away games, showing a slight edge at home with a 3-6 record, but the road games have proven especially difficult, as they sit at 1-7 away from their home court.
Despite the team’s struggles, certain players have stepped up individually. Senior Devin Toatley has been the standout player, averaging 15.8 points per game, leading the team in scoring. Omari Witherspoon has been an all-around force, contributing with 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.
St. John’s: Dominating the League
On the other hand, St. John’s has been enjoying a much more successful season with a 15-7 record. They’ve been dominant in the conference, posting a 4-3 league record and 7-3 at home, which highlights their strength on their home court. Their scoring has been impressive, with the team averaging 68.8 points per game—significantly higher than St. Mary’s Ryken’s average.
Their success on both ends of the court has been reflected in their point differential. With 1,514 points scored and only 1,213 points allowed, St. John’s has been both an offensive and defensive powerhouse. The team has been successful not only in the league but also in non-league matchups, going 9-3 in those contests.
Key players for St. John’s have included their standout scorer, who averages 23.7 points per game. Additionally, the team’s strong defensive efforts, led by players like Omari Witherspoon, who has 5.8 rebounds per game and 1.5 steals per game, have helped them secure several big wins.
Head-to-Head Matchup: St. John’s Dominates
In their first head-to-head matchup of the season, St. John’s proved too much for St. Mary’s Ryken, securing a commanding 75-51 win. This victory continued a streak of strong performances, with St. John’s looking poised to challenge for the league title. The second meeting between the two teams is scheduled for January 31, 2025, and it will be a crucial game for St. Mary’s Ryken as they seek to bounce back.
Comparing the Teams: Strengths and Weaknesses
When comparing the two teams, several notable differences emerge. St. John’s has a much stronger scoring output, averaging 68.8 points per game compared to St. Mary’s Ryken’s 54.8. This stark difference in scoring ability has been the defining factor in most of their games. Additionally, St. John’s boasts a solid defense, with key players like Omari Witherspoon consistently leading the charge.
St. Mary’s Ryken has struggled with scoring consistency, averaging just 23.7 points per game across four quarters, and despite individual performances, the team’s overall effort has not been enough to overcome the tough competition in the league.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced common opponents this season, including tough competition like St. Andrew’s Episcopal, Bishop O’Connell, and Gonzaga. St. John’s has fared better in these matchups, posting a 5-4 record against common opponents, while St. Mary’s Ryken has only managed a 1-7 record against the same teams.
Looking Ahead
As the season continues, both teams have several important matchups on the horizon. For St. Mary’s Ryken, the focus will be on improving their performance and finding a way to compete more effectively in league play. The team has several tough games remaining, including matchups with Paul VI and Bishop McNamara.
For St. John’s, the focus will likely be on maintaining their strong form and securing a top position in the league standings. They’ll need to keep their momentum going, especially with key games against Archbishop Carroll and Our Lady of Good Counsel in February.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2024-2025 high school basketball season has been a tale of two contrasting teams. While St. Mary’s Ryken has faced numerous challenges, St. John’s has established itself as one of the dominant teams in the region. With St. John’s looking to extend its successful run and St. Mary’s Ryken seeking improvement, the next few weeks promise to offer plenty of excitement as both teams work to achieve their goals.
