The Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, KS) varsity basketball team will play a neutral-site tournament game against Chanute (KS) today at 6:30 p.m.

Game Details:

• Teams: Chanute vs. Sunrise Christian Academy
• Date & Time: Friday, January 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
• Event: Ralph Miller Classic
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Basketball Showdown: Chanute vs. Sunrise Christian Academy (24-25)

As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, two teams—Chanute and Sunrise Christian Academy—have emerged as formidable forces, each with impressive records and statistics to back up their success. Let’s take a closer look at these teams’ season so far and their upcoming matchup.

Chanute Basketball: Strong but Steady

Chanute enters the 2024-2025 season with an overall record of 4-2-1, boasting a strong district performance of 3-0-1. Their team has shown resilience both at home (4-1) and on the road (0-1-1), with a respectable win percentage of .643 and a district win percentage of .875. Though their offense isn’t as explosive as their upcoming opponent, Chanute has managed to score 317 points while allowing 289.

In terms of scoring, Chanute averages 45.3 points per game, with solid contributions across all four quarters. Their points per game distribution is fairly balanced, averaging 8.5 in the first quarter, 7.5 in the second, 11.0 in the third, and 7.5 in the fourth. While they may not put up the same high numbers as Sunrise Christian Academy, they have proven to be effective in close contests.

Key Players:

• Tomohito Kobari: Averaging 11.8 points per game, he’s the team’s top scorer.
• Destin Mbarushimana: Leading in rebounds with 7.0 per game.
• Iyzrel Graham: A strong all-around player contributing 5.5 assists and 3.2 steals per game.
• Judah Cyrus: A defensive powerhouse, blocking 3.1 shots per game.

Sunrise Christian Academy: A Powerhouse

Sunrise Christian Academy, with a remarkable 13-2 overall record, stands as a force to be reckoned with. The team’s 8-1 record in neutral site games highlights their ability to perform in high-pressure environments. Their offense has been prolific, scoring 974 points while allowing just 655, an average of 64.9 points per game—significantly higher than Chanute’s output.

The team has been dominant across all quarters, with scoring averages of 14.0 in the first, 9.0 in the second, 23.0 in the third, and 18.0 in the fourth. Their explosive third-quarter performances stand out as a key factor in their victories.

Key Players:

• Nationally Ranked Players: They boast top performers in almost every category. While specific statistics are not provided for individual players, the team’s high points per game, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks show a well-rounded and efficient squad.

Team Stat Comparison

Looking at the overall team statistics, Sunrise Christian Academy excels in nearly every area:

• Points Per Game: Sunrise Christian Academy averages 64.7 points per game, significantly higher than Chanute’s 45.3.
• Rebounds Per Game: Sunrise Christian Academy grabs more boards with an average of 30.1, compared to Chanute’s 30.1.
• Assists, Steals, and Blocks: The team also holds a notable advantage in assists (15.6 vs. 10.6), steals (10.6 vs. 5.0), and blocks (5.1 vs. 3.1).

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Field Kindley in recent matchups. Chanute secured a hard-fought victory against them on January 14, 2025, with a 38-33 win at home. Sunrise Christian Academy matched up with Field Kindley on January 23, 2025, and took control with a 64-51 road victory. Both teams will continue their seasons with more non-league matchups, which may give additional insight into how they will perform when they face each other.

Looking Ahead

Chanute and Sunrise Christian Academy both have solid records in their respective divisions and against common opponents. However, with Sunrise Christian Academy’s offensive firepower and defensive capabilities, they enter the matchup as the favorite. Chanute will need to rely on strong defensive play and timely scoring to keep up with their rivals.

This season is shaping up to be an exciting one, and as both teams continue their campaigns, the Chanute vs. Sunrise Christian Academy game is one to watch, promising high-stakes action and thrilling basketball moments.