The John Marshall varsity basketball team (Richmond, VA) will host St. Michael the Archangel (Fredericksburg, VA) for a non-conference game today at 7:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: St. Michael the Archangel vs John Marshall
When: Today, February 17, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: St. Michael the Archangel vs John Marshall

The 2024-2025 Virginia high school basketball season has been a showcase of elite talent, with teams like St. Michael the Archangel and John Marshall leading the charge. Both teams have made their mark with impressive records and standout individual performances, placing them among the top contenders in the state.

St. Michael the Archangel: A Team on the Rise

St. Michael the Archangel has posted a solid 17-7 overall record this season, with a perfect 2-0 record in the region. Their offensive game has been potent, averaging 74.6 points per game across four quarters, with the highest scoring quarter coming in the fourth, where they average 21 points per game. This late-game prowess has been a hallmark of their performance, helping them close out games and maintain a strong position in the standings.

Key players like Odita Aguolu have been central to their success. Aguolu is averaging 16.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, leading the team in both categories. He’s been a force on both ends of the court, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success. The team has also been effective in distributing the ball, averaging 15.1 assists per game, and has shown defensive tenacity with 10.5 steals per game.

St. Michael the Archangel has also performed well against common opponents, with a 3-0 record in those matchups. Their victories over teams like St. Christopher’s, The Carmel School, and others have showcased their consistency and ability to perform across a range of challenges.

John Marshall: A Juggernaut in the State

John Marshall has been nothing short of dominant this season, with a 17-2 overall record and a perfect 2-0 in region play. Their average of 75.9 points per game, coupled with their ability to score efficiently across all quarters, sets them apart. Notably, they have been a force in the third quarter, where they average a staggering 24.8 points per game. This offensive explosion is a key element of their success, allowing them to create significant separation from opponents.

At the helm of this high-powered offense is Latrell Allmond, who leads the team with 20.3 points per game. Allmond has been a dynamic scorer and playmaker, contributing significantly to the team’s high scoring averages. John Marshall also has a balanced attack, with Troy Henderson adding 5.4 assists per game and Ladarius Givan pulling down an impressive 9.5 rebounds per game.

John Marshall has also dominated common opponents, with a 2-0 record in those matchups. Wins over teams like St. Christopher’s and The Carmel School further highlight their high level of play and championship potential. Their ability to win in various formats—home, away, and neutral—is a testament to their all-around strength.

A Comparison of the Two Teams

When comparing St. Michael the Archangel and John Marshall, both teams have demonstrated remarkable success in their respective regions and against common opponents. John Marshall’s high scoring output (76.7 points per game) and ability to dominate in the third quarter give them a slight edge in offensive firepower, while St. Michael the Archangel’s balanced scoring across all quarters and strong fourth-quarter play makes them a formidable opponent.

In terms of team stats, John Marshall has slightly better numbers in most categories, such as points per game, rebounds per game (31.9), and blocks per game (4.6). However, St. Michael the Archangel excels in steals per game with 10.5, which is a reflection of their aggressive defense.

Both teams are also undefeated in their regional matchups, with St. Michael the Archangel holding a perfect 2-0 record in the region and John Marshall also maintaining a flawless 2-0 record. These teams are not just dominating locally but also making waves in statewide and national rankings, with John Marshall earning a top 12 ranking in the national standings.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Postseason

As both teams continue to dominate, the spotlight is now on their potential playoff runs. With strong records and excellent player performances, St. Michael the Archangel and John Marshall are poised to be major contenders as the postseason approaches.

While John Marshall has the edge in overall performance and scoring power, St. Michael the Archangel’s ability to execute in the clutch and their stingy defense could make for an exciting showdown if these two teams meet later in the season. Fans of Virginia high school basketball have much to look forward to as these two powerhouses battle it out for supremacy in the state.

In conclusion, both St. Michael the Archangel and John Marshall have proven themselves to be among the best high school basketball teams in Virginia, setting the stage for an exciting end to the 2024-2025 season. With standout players and impressive team performances, it will be thrilling to see how they fare as they push toward the playoffs and beyond.