The West Catholic varsity basketball team (Philadelphia, PA) will play a neutral non-conference game against St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Alexandria, VA) on Friday, December 27 at 5 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes vs West Catholic
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 5:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes vs West Catholic
As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, two teams are making notable strides in their respective leagues: St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (SSS&A) and West Catholic. With strong records and contrasting playing styles, these teams have captured the attention of basketball fans in their regions. Let’s break down their performances so far this season and compare their statistics.
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes: A Dominant Force
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes, based in Virginia, has proven to be a powerhouse in their league with a current record of 8-2 overall. Their performance includes an impressive 5-0 record at home, showcasing their ability to dominate in front of a local crowd. Away from home, they have a more modest 3-1 record, but they have still managed to keep their winning percentage high at .800.
Scoring and Stat Leaders:
The team is averaging 72.9 points per game, led by standout player Riley Jacobs, who contributes 18.0 points per game. Jacobs is not just a scorer but also excels in rebounding with an average of 10.3 rebounds per game, making her a key player both offensively and defensively. The team also shows strong passing and defense, with Devin Ainsworth leading in assists (3.0 per game) and steals (2.4 per game).
The offensive consistency of St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes is evident as they maintain steady scoring across all quarters, averaging 19.1 points in the first two quarters and 20.3 in the third. Their ability to close out games is also seen in their final-quarter performance, where they average 13.6 points.
West Catholic: Struggling to Find Consistency
West Catholic, based in Pennsylvania, has faced a tough season, currently standing at 1-4 overall. The team has struggled, particularly in neutral-site games, where they are 0-4. Their home record is a more optimistic 1-0, but they have yet to register a win on the road, which has been a significant challenge for them.
Scoring and Stat Leaders:
West Catholic’s offensive output is considerably lower than St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes, averaging just 58.6 points per game. The team’s scoring has fluctuated throughout the season, with only 18.0 points in the first quarter and 16.0 in the second, but a significant drop in the third quarter, where they score just 11.0 points on average. In their final quarter, they show signs of improvement, scoring 12.0 points per game. Despite the team’s struggles, individual performances are noteworthy. West Catholic’s top scorer, although not as prolific as Jacobs, is still performing at a respectable level, contributing consistently throughout their games.
While West Catholic has had difficulties in scoring, they have managed a higher average in rebounds per game (31.6) and are aggressive on the defensive side with 9.1 steals and 2.6 blocks per game. This defensive edge could be key to improving their performance as the season progresses.
Comparing the Teams
When comparing the two teams, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes stands out in almost every category. Their higher point production (72.9 vs. 58.6), better win percentage, and more balanced scoring through all quarters give them an edge over West Catholic. However, West Catholic’s strong defensive stats, especially in steals and blocks, show that they can be disruptive on defense, even if they struggle on offense.
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes also has the advantage when it comes to overall efficiency, as their average of 72.9 points per game far surpasses West Catholic’s 58.6. In contrast, West Catholic’s slow offensive starts and inability to find scoring consistency may be their biggest hurdles as they look to turn their season around.
Final Thoughts
The 2024-2025 season has been a tale of two teams in Virginia and Pennsylvania, with St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes dominating in nearly every aspect, while West Catholic continues to search for a breakthrough. For St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes, maintaining their strong offense and defensive balance will be key to securing their spot at the top. For West Catholic, improving consistency and finding ways to capitalize on their defensive strengths could lead to better outcomes in future games. As both teams continue their season, it will be interesting to see how their strategies evolve and how they respond to the challenges they face in their respective leagues.
