The St. Xavier varsity basketball team (Cincinnati, OH) will host Elder (Cincinnati, OH) in a conference game today at 7:30 p.m.

Game Details:

• Matchup: Elder vs. St. Xavier
• Date: Friday, January 24, 2025
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Location: St. Xavier High School, Cincinnati, OH

Elder vs. St. Xavier: A Key Cincinnati Basketball Showdown

The Cincinnati basketball scene is buzzing as Elder and St. Xavier, two of the top teams in the area, prepare to face off in an exciting conference matchup. This rivalry is set to unfold twice in the upcoming weeks, with the first game scheduled for tonight, January 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM at St. Xavier, and the second on February 14, 2025, at Elder.

Team Overview: Elder

Elder High School, boasting a strong 11-2 record, has been a force in the 2024-25 season, especially within the league, where they remain undefeated at 2-0. They’ve achieved an impressive 6-1 record at home, a solid 4-1 on the road, and a perfect 1-0 record in neutral-site games. With a point differential of +104, Elder’s defense and scoring balance have been key to their success.

• Points Per Game: 53.9
• Key Player: Senior Donovan Waleskowski, who leads the team with an average of 13.2 points per game.
• Defensive Strength: Brendan Deeley has been a standout defensively, averaging 1.9 steals per game.

Team Overview: St. Xavier

St. Xavier, holding a 13-3 overall record, has been equally dominant in conference play, remaining undefeated at 2-0. They’ve posted a solid 7-1 mark at home, and 3-0 on the road, but they have faced some challenges in neutral-site games, where they’re 3-2. Despite their fewer total points scored compared to Elder (827 vs. 701), they’ve been efficient, with an average of 51.7 points per game.

• Points Per Game: 51.7
• Key Player: Jacob Wassler, a standout performer, contributing 7.6 rebounds per game and 2.9 assists per game.
• Defensive Strength: Similar to Elder, St. Xavier has strong defense, with Wassler contributing 0.5 blocks per game.

Head-to-Head Comparison

These two teams will play a home-and-away series, with tonight’s game marking the first clash. Elder’s scoring average of 53.9 points per game edges out St. Xavier’s 51.7 points per game. However, St. Xavier has been the more consistent team on the defensive side of the ball, leading in multiple areas such as rebounds (26.4 per game to Elder’s 25.6) and assists (13.0 per game for Elder).

Both teams have a strong record against common opponents, with Elder boasting a 3-0 record and St. Xavier slightly ahead at 4-0. Their performance in non-league matchups and head-to-head contests further emphasizes how evenly matched these teams are.

Key Matchups and Takeaways

• Offensive Balance: Elder has a more potent offense, scoring an average of 53.9 points per game compared to St. Xavier’s 51.7. The outcome of tonight’s game may depend on which team can better control the pace and exploit the other’s defensive vulnerabilities.
• Defensive Strength: Both teams are defensively sound, with Elder’s Brendan Deeley leading the way in steals and St. Xavier’s Jacob Wassler excelling in rebounds and blocks. Look for these players to have a significant impact on limiting the opposing team’s scoring opportunities.
• Key Players: Donovan Waleskowski from Elder and Jacob Wassler from St. Xavier will be the key players to watch. Waleskowski’s scoring ability and Wassler’s all-around contributions could tilt the game in their respective team’s favor.

Final Thoughts

With both teams coming into this matchup with impressive records, this series promises to be a thrilling contest that could have serious implications for the league standings. Elder will look to maintain its unbeaten conference record, while St. Xavier hopes to extend its home-court advantage and add another win to its 2-0 conference record. As both teams are 3-0 against common opponents, this clash could be the defining moment of the season for either squad.

Basketball fans in Cincinnati won’t want to miss this exciting rivalry as Elder and St. Xavier look to continue their strong seasons. The first game kicks off tonight at 7:30 PM at St. Xavier, with the second meeting on February 14 at Elder.