The St. Xavier varsity basketball team (Cincinnati, OH) will host a home non-conference game against Walton-Verona (Walton, KY) today at 5 p.m.

Here’s what you need to Basketball know:

What: Ohio High School Basketball
Who: St. Xavier vs Walton-Verona
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 5:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Walton-Verona vs. St. Xavier: A Breakdown of Two Powerhouse Teams

As we move into the heart of the 2024-2025 basketball season, two high-performing teams from different states are making waves. Walton-Verona from Kentucky and St. Xavier from Ohio are both dominating their respective leagues, showing off their strengths and records. With an intriguing comparison of their performance stats, let’s break down what sets these teams apart and what to expect when they face off against their common opponents.

Walton-Verona (KY): A Balanced Approach

Walton-Verona enters the season with a 5-2 overall record. The team has shown a strong ability to compete, especially at home, where they are unbeaten with a 3-0 record. Their away games, however, have been more challenging, as reflected in their 1-2 away record. Despite this, Walton-Verona has proven they can perform on neutral ground with a solid 1-0 neutral record.

• Scoring Average: Walton-Verona scores an impressive 70.4 points per game, with a high-scoring first quarter (19.0 PPG) and third quarter (23.5 PPG). However, they struggle a bit in the fourth quarter, averaging only 11.5 points.
• Team Leaders: Jacob Wassler is the standout player, contributing 14.5 points per game, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, helping drive the team’s offense and defense. His leadership is crucial for Walton-Verona’s success.

St. Xavier (OH): Perfect Start

St. Xavier has been flawless so far, boasting a 6-0 overall record. Their dominance extends to both home and away games, where they hold undefeated records of 3-0 at home and 2-0 on the road. The team’s ability to play well in various settings is an indication of their depth and preparation. Additionally, they are 1-0 in neutral-site games, further showcasing their ability to handle different environments.

• Scoring Average: St. Xavier averages 56.3 points per game. While this number is slightly lower than Walton-Verona’s, the team’s ability to score efficiently, especially in the fourth quarter (20.0 PPG), allows them to close games strong.
• Team Leaders: St. Xavier’s key players include Brendan Deeley, who leads the team in steals with 1.8 per game, and Jack Ryan, who blocks an average of 0.5 shots per game. These defensive statistics are crucial in maintaining St. Xavier’s strong overall performance.

Head-to-Head Stat Comparison

When comparing the two teams’ performance across various metrics, there are several notable differences:

• Points Per Game: Walton-Verona scores significantly more points per game (70.4) than St. Xavier (56.3), showcasing their high-scoring offensive style.
• Rebounds: Walton-Verona also leads in rebounding, averaging 26.8 rebounds per game, which could give them an edge in controlling the glass.
• Assists & Steals: Both teams display solid ball movement, with Walton-Verona averaging 13.8 assists per game. However, St. Xavier has the advantage in steals, averaging 6.0 per game compared to Walton-Verona’s 5.3.
• Blocks: Walton-Verona leads in blocks with 2.8 per game, thanks in part to Jack Ryan’s defensive presence.

Common Opponents

Both teams share a common opponent in Covington Catholic, a team that will test both Walton-Verona and St. Xavier’s abilities. Walton-Verona will play them on January 15, 2025, while St. Xavier will face off on January 4, 2025. How each team performs against Covington Catholic will offer valuable insight into how they measure up against one another.

Breakdown of Records

• Overall Records: Walton-Verona (5-2) vs. St. Xavier (6-0) shows that St. Xavier has been perfect so far, while Walton-Verona’s 5-2 record demonstrates that they are competitive but have faced some setbacks.
• Home vs. Away: Walton-Verona’s home record is impressive at 3-0, but their struggles on the road (1-2) may play a pivotal role when they face tougher opponents like St. Xavier. Meanwhile, St. Xavier’s consistency at home (3-0) and away (2-0) suggests they can excel in any environment.

Conclusion

The matchup between Walton-Verona and St. Xavier is one to watch as the season progresses. Walton-Verona’s high-scoring offense and solid rebounding make them a potent force, while St. Xavier’s perfect record and strong defensive stats, particularly in steals and blocks, provide a formidable challenge. With common opponents such as Covington Catholic on the horizon, both teams will have the opportunity to further demonstrate their superiority as they eye their respective league and non-league titles.