The St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL) varsity basketball team is set to play a neutral-site tournament game against North Mecklenburg (Huntersville, NC) today at 8:45 p.m.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: St. Thomas Aquinas vs North Mecklenburg
When: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Time: 8:45. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

• Event: Kreul Classic – National Bracket Championship Game

A Clash of Titans: North Mecklenburg vs. St. Thomas Aquinas

As the 2024-2025 basketball season heats up, two teams are making waves on the court: North Mecklenburg (NC) and St. Thomas Aquinas (FL). Both teams have been dominant in their respective states, earning strong records early in the season. Here’s a closer look at their impressive statistics, strengths, and how they compare heading into a potential showdown.

North Mecklenburg Overview

North Mecklenburg, based in North Carolina, boasts an impressive 8-1 overall record and a near-perfect 1.000 conference record. With a .889 win percentage overall, they’ve proven their dominance, particularly in home and away games. Their 615 points for (PF) and 449 points against (PA) highlight a solid offensive and defensive balance, with an average of 68.3 points per game across all four quarters.

Their key strengths lie in their ability to start strong, with a 21-point average in the first quarter. However, they maintain consistent production, averaging 14 points in Q2, 11 points in Q3, and 11 points in Q4, displaying their ability to stay competitive throughout the game.

Key players for North Mecklenburg include Clarence Westbrook Jr., the team leader in points per game with 19.1 PPG, Dwayne Wimbley Jr., who leads the team in rebounds with 7.4 RPG, and Drake (DJ) Sandi, the team’s assists leader with 7.1 APG. Sandi also stands out for his defense, averaging 4.5 steals per game. This trio forms the backbone of North Mecklenburg’s potent offense and aggressive defense.

St. Thomas Aquinas Overview

Representing Florida, St. Thomas Aquinas has had a remarkable 7-1 record to begin the season, with a .875 win percentage. They, too, have excelled in both offensive and defensive play, outscoring their opponents 556-399. St. Thomas Aquinas averages 69.5 points per game, slightly ahead of North Mecklenburg’s offensive output, and they show similar consistency, scoring 20.8 points in Q1, 17.8 in Q2, and 15.5 in both Q3 and Q4.

The team’s standout player is Clarence Westbrook Jr., who has been the focal point of their offense with 19.1 PPG. In addition to his scoring, Dwayne Wimbley Jr. provides a strong presence in the paint with 7.4 RPG and contributes defensively with 1.4 blocks per game.

Team Stat Comparison

While both teams score highly, St. Thomas Aquinas has a slight edge with an average of 69.5 points per game, compared to North Mecklenburg’s 68.3 PPG. On the rebound front, both teams are well-matched, but St. Thomas Aquinas has a slight advantage with 32 rebounds per game, compared to North Mecklenburg’s 31.

When it comes to defense, North Mecklenburg leads in steals with 13.4 per game, powered by DJ Sandi’s 4.5 steals, compared to St. Thomas Aquinas’ 13.4 steals per game, led by Sandi’s 4.5 steals.

Common Opponents

In terms of common opponents, both teams have faced off against Pembroke Pines Charter, with North Mecklenburg earning a 58-45 win on December 20, 2024. On January 21, 2025, St. Thomas Aquinas will face the same opponent. This shared competition will provide an additional data point as both teams continue to show dominance in their respective regions.

Record Breakdown

The overall breakdown of their season records is also quite similar, with North Mecklenburg at 8-1 and St. Thomas Aquinas at 7-1. Both teams have dominated in-state play, with North Mecklenburg maintaining a perfect 5-0 record in North Carolina, while St. Thomas Aquinas has posted a 4-0 record in Florida.

Both squads have shown strength on the road and at home, with North Mecklenburg having a perfect 3-0 record away and St. Thomas Aquinas with a 3-1 record in neutral-site games. Their solid performances on the road speak to their ability to win under pressure.

Conclusion

As both teams march forward into their respective seasons, the potential for a matchup between these two basketball powerhouses is an exciting prospect. With North Mecklenburg holding a slight edge in steals and defensive efficiency, and St. Thomas Aquinas slightly outpacing them in points scored, the two teams are poised for an exciting, competitive game. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on this matchup, which could showcase some of the most dynamic players in high school basketball today.