The St. Michael’s (Santa Fe, NM) varsity basketball team will play a home game against Crownpoint (NM) today at 4 p.m. as part of the Horsemen Shootout Tournament.

Game Details:

• Matchup: Crownpoint vs. St. Michael’s
• Date: Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025
• Time: 4:00 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Tournament: Horsemen Shootout
• Location: St. Michael’s, Santa Fe, NM

Crownpoint vs. St. Michael’s: A Basketball Showdown

As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, the rivalry between Crownpoint and St. Michael’s has added another exciting chapter. Both teams have had their share of highs and lows, but with distinct playing styles and impressive individual performances, their encounters continue to be a highlight of the season.

Season Overview:

• Crownpoint is currently sitting at a 3-8 overall record, with a win percentage of just .273. This includes a home record of 1-4, an away record of 1-3, and a neutral site record of 1-1. They’ve managed to score an average of 37.6 points per game, but have struggled defensively, allowing 587 points over their first 11 games.
• St. Michael’s, on the other hand, boasts an 8-3 overall record, with a more impressive win percentage of .727. The team is undefeated at home, with a perfect 4-0 record, while their away games have seen mixed results (1-0) and a .500 record on neutral ground (3-3). St. Michael’s is averaging 61 points per game and has allowed 481 points over their 11 games.

Key Game:

The most recent head-to-head battle between the two schools on January 9th saw St. Michael’s dominate Crownpoint with a stunning 83-28 victory. This game exemplified the gap in both offensive and defensive strategies, as Crownpoint struggled to keep up with the pace set by St. Michael’s. Despite the defeat, Crownpoint’s commitment to improving their game remains strong, with hopes for redemption in future matchups.

Team Scoring Breakdown:

When it comes to scoring, there’s a clear difference in style between the two teams.

• Crownpoint’s scoring is more spread out, averaging just 8 points per game in the first quarter, and only managing 4 points in the final quarter. This shows a lack of consistency and difficulty in closing out games.
• St. Michael’s, however, demonstrates balanced offensive firepower across all four quarters. They average 17 points in the first quarter and maintain a strong scoring presence throughout the game, with 15.4 points in the final quarter. This ability to sustain scoring momentum is a major factor in their success.

Individual Highlights:

• Ryan Hunt from Crownpoint stands out as the team’s leader in several categories. He averages 8.0 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game, and 0.8 blocks per game, showing his all-around contributions on both ends of the floor.
• Jaden Perea, also from Crownpoint, leads the team in assists with 2.5 per game, showing a solid passing game despite the team’s struggles.
• On the other hand, St. Michael’s is led by a diverse group of players. They have multiple contributors, but standout performances come from key figures who can score, rebound, and assist at a high level. The team’s depth is evident when looking at the overall scoring averages.

Common Opponents:

Both teams have faced a few common opponents this season, such as Newcomb and Academy for Technology and The Classics. Crownpoint’s record against these teams has been challenging, with a 0-1 record against the Academy for Technology and The Classics and a tough loss to Newcomb. Meanwhile, St. Michael’s remains undefeated against these same opponents.

Upcoming Schedule:

Looking ahead, Crownpoint will be taking on Newcomb in their next matchup on January 10th, with a game against Academy for Technology and The Classics on the horizon. St. Michael’s will face Newcomb the same day, and will meet Academy for Technology and The Classics later in the season, which will provide them opportunities to solidify their playoff positioning.

Conclusion:

While Crownpoint has faced several obstacles this season, including a tough loss to St. Michael’s, they remain a team with potential for growth. With strong individual performances, particularly from Ryan Hunt and Jaden Perea, Crownpoint has the pieces to improve as the season continues.

St. Michael’s, meanwhile, remains a formidable force in the league, showing excellent depth, consistency, and scoring power. Their ability to dominate on both ends of the court will keep them competitive throughout the season as they continue their quest for a championship.

The rivalry between these two teams is one to watch closely, and it’s clear that both schools have the talent and drive to make their mark this season. Whether Crownpoint can bounce back or St. Michael’s will continue their dominance remains to be seen, but for now, the stage is set for more thrilling basketball action ahead.