The Grace Christian varsity basketball team (Huntington, WV) will host Summit Christian Academy (Princeton, WV) for a home conference game on Friday, January 31 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Summit Christian Academy vs Grace Christian
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Summit Christian Academy vs Grace Christian

The 2024-2025 West Virginia high school basketball season has brought forth some exciting matchups and standout performances. Among the top teams in the region, Summit Christian Academy and Grace Christian have emerged as strong contenders, each with their own distinctive playstyles and team dynamics. Let’s dive into the current rankings, team records, and the comparison between these two competitive programs.

Team Records and Overall Performance

Summit Christian Academy boasts an impressive 18-2 overall record, a remarkable 900 win percentage (.900), and an undefeated 7-0 mark in the region. They have proven dominant both at home (9-0) and on the road (5-1), showcasing a well-rounded and consistent performance. The team’s defense and offensive efficiency have been key to their success, with 1,311 points scored and only 956 points allowed, averaging 65.6 points per game.

In contrast, Grace Christian holds a 7-6 overall record, with a more balanced win-loss ratio (.538 win percentage). Despite a 5-1 home record, they’ve faced some struggles away (2-5) and in neutral games. The team’s performance has been strong at times but inconsistent, as shown by their 758 points scored and 787 points allowed (58.3 points per game).

Team Scoring Averages

Summit Christian Academy has shown its offensive firepower with an average of 65.6 points per game, divided evenly across four quarters: 17.1 in the first, 15.2 in the second, 18.5 in the third, and another 15.2 in the fourth. Their ability to maintain a consistent pace throughout the game makes them a tough opponent in any situation.

Grace Christian, on the other hand, averages 58.3 points per game. Their scoring splits are somewhat lower across all quarters, with 17.1 in the first, 13.0 in the second, 14.4 in the third, and 13.1 in the fourth. They’ll need to find ways to increase their scoring in the later stages of the game to compete with the higher-scoring teams like Summit Christian Academy.

Statistical Comparison

When comparing key stats between the two teams, Summit Christian Academy outshines Grace Christian in almost every category:

• Points per game: Summit Christian Academy (65.6) vs. Grace Christian (58.3)
• Rebounds per game: Summit Christian Academy (31.5) vs. Grace Christian (15.2)
• Assists per game: Summit Christian Academy (16.9) vs. Grace Christian (6.7)
• Steals per game: Summit Christian Academy (8.7) vs. Grace Christian (6.1)
• Blocks per game: Summit Christian Academy (2.2) vs. Grace Christian (0.8)

Summit Christian Academy’s depth and ability to distribute the ball efficiently, along with their defensive prowess, set them apart. The team’s fast-paced, high-scoring play style is complemented by a well-balanced defensive strategy, enabling them to dominate in both scoring and overall team statistics.

Player Leadership

Summit Christian Academy’s standout player is MJ Patton, who leads the team with an impressive 20.1 points per game. He also contributes significantly in assists (6.1 per game) and steals (2.7 per game), making him a key offensive and defensive leader. Other contributors include Chance Watkins (9.7 rebounds per game) and Kyler Carpenter (1.0 blocks per game), who help round out the team’s strong core.

For Grace Christian, Bryce Ray leads with 16.3 points per game, while Brady Johnston leads in rebounds with 7.1 per game. Brody Harris and Garrett Bailey provide additional support, averaging 3.5 assists and 2.6 steals per game, respectively. While the team has some talented individuals, they’ll need more cohesion to match Summit Christian Academy’s depth and scoring ability.

Head-to-Head & Common Opponents

When it comes to head-to-head matchups and common opponents, Summit Christian Academy has shown its dominance. They’ve faced teams like Pipestem Christian Academy, Victory Baptist Academy, and Teays Valley Christian, holding a perfect 4-0 record against these common foes. On the other hand, Grace Christian holds a 3-3 record in their matchups against these teams, including victories over Pipestem Christian Academy and Teays Valley Christian, but suffering losses to others like Victory Baptist Academy and Calvary Baptist Academy.

Final Thoughts

Summit Christian Academy stands as the clear favorite in this comparison, with a perfect regional record, superior offensive and defensive statistics, and standout individual performances. Their deep roster and balanced play style give them a significant edge over Grace Christian, who will need to improve their consistency and scoring output to compete with the region’s elite.

As the season progresses, both teams will have their sights set on securing strong playoff positions, but for now, Summit Christian Academy holds the upper hand in this regional rivalry. Whether Grace Christian can close the gap will depend on how they address their scoring and defensive shortcomings in the coming weeks.