The Episcopal varsity basketball team from Alexandria, VA, will face St. Paul’s from Brooklandville, MD, in a neutral non-conference game on Friday, December 20, at 5:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: St. Paul’s vs Episcopal
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 5:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: St. Paul’s vs Episcopal
High school basketball in Virginia is heating up, and two teams, St. Paul’s and Episcopal, have been making waves this season. Though both squads have had promising starts, their records, stats, and performances highlight differing strengths and strategies on the court.
Rankings and Records
- St. Paul’s: Ranked 46th in their region and holding an overall record of 2-3, St. Paul’s is battling through a tough season. Their .400 win percentage reflects a team still finding its rhythm, particularly with a close scoring differential of 274 points for (PF) versus 275 points against (PA).
- Episcopal: Ranked 15th in their division with a stellar 4-1 record, Episcopal boasts a robust .800 win percentage. They’ve outscored opponents 326 to 277, showcasing their ability to control games offensively and defensively.
Team Performance Metrics
- St. Paul’s averages 54.8 points per game (PPG), with their strongest scoring quarter being the first (19.0 PPG). However, their scoring declines as the game progresses, particularly in the fourth quarter (11.0 PPG).
- Episcopal displays consistency across all quarters, averaging 65.2 PPG. They maintain a steady output of around 15 points per quarter, a testament to their balanced offensive approach.
Key Players and Contributions
For St. Paul’s, Ben Edmonds (#4) is the standout performer:
- Points per game: 13.5
- Assists per game: 4.0
- Steals per game: 2.8
Additionally, Simas Kacerauskas (#21) anchors the team in the paint with:
- Rebounds per game: 11.5
- Blocks per game: 2.5
Episcopal’s strength comes from their overall team effort, surpassing national averages in key metrics. Their balanced attack results in a higher PPG, though no individual leader stands out as dominantly as St. Paul’s duo.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Despite the differences in their records, St. Paul’s and Episcopal have yet to face each other this season. However, they share a common opponent in McDonogh. St. Paul’s fell to McDonogh 66-53, while Episcopal has a scheduled matchup against them later in the season. How Episcopal fares against McDonogh could provide insight into how these two Virginia teams compare.
Team Comparison
| Metric | St. Paul’s | Episcopal |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game (PPG) | 54.8 | 65.2 |
| Rebounds Per Game (RPG) | 36.5 | — |
| Assists Per Game (APG) | 9.8 | — |
| Steals Per Game (SPG) | 7.3 | — |
| Blocks Per Game (BPG) | 4.8 | — |
Episcopal has the edge in scoring and overall record, but St. Paul’s demonstrates stronger individual leadership in critical areas like rebounding and defense.
Looking Ahead
Both teams have the potential to make a mark as the season progresses. Episcopal’s consistent scoring and strong record position them as a formidable force, while St. Paul’s, led by Edmonds and Kacerauskas, looks to capitalize on their individual talent to improve their overall performance.
Whether these two teams meet later in the season or continue their separate paths, they represent the high level of competition in Virginia high school basketball. Keep an eye on both squads as they aim to solidify their rankings and make playoff pushes.
