The The Rock (Gainesville, FL) varsity basketball team will play a neutral tournament game against Harding University (Charlotte, NC) on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 4:30 PM.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Prep Schools High School Basketball
Who: The Rock vs Harding University
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 4:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Team Comparison: Harding University vs. The Rock (2024-2025 Season)

As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, two teams are standing out in their respective rankings. Harding University, a team currently struggling with a 2-6 overall record, and The Rock, a powerhouse with a solid 6-3 mark, present a stark contrast in both their performance and style of play. Let’s take a closer look at how these teams stack up against each other, both statistically and in terms of team leaders.

Harding University: Struggling to Find Consistency

Harding University has had a challenging start to their season, with a 2-6 overall record. Their performance in conference play is even more disappointing, with a 0-1 record, meaning they’ve yet to secure a victory in their league. At home, they hold a balanced 1-1 record but have struggled in away games, posting a 0-3 mark. They also have a losing record in neutral-site games, sitting at 1-2.

Despite these setbacks, Harding has demonstrated moments of resilience, particularly in scoring, with an average of 59.4 points per game. Leading the charge for the team is Lonnie Walker, who averages 13.0 points per game. Walker also contributes significantly in rebounds, averaging 6.6 per game. Kaharri Coleman, who adds 5.5 assists and 4.3 steals per game, has been another key player. However, Harding has struggled in certain key areas, such as assists (12.5 per game) and steals (11.4 per game), both of which are below their opponents’ averages.

The Rock: Dominating the District

On the other side, The Rock has been on a strong upward trajectory this season. With a 6-3 overall record, including an undefeated 4-0 performance in district games, The Rock has shown they are a formidable force in their league. They have been particularly dominant at home, holding a perfect 4-0 record. However, their away record (2-3) and neutral-site performance (1-2) reflect some challenges, although not as severe as Harding’s.

The Rock’s scoring is potent, averaging 67.1 points per game, led by Zaire Colbert, who contributes 14.7 points per game. Colbert has also been a standout player in rebounds and assists, averaging 7.3 rebounds per game and 2.3 assists. Another key player is Hendrix Loughridge, who contributes 1.3 blocks per game and is a consistent presence on the floor. The Rock’s high scoring, coupled with solid defensive play (8.1 steals per game), has been crucial to their success this season.

Team Stat Comparison

• Points Per Game: Harding University scores 59.4 points per game, while The Rock averages a higher 67.1 points per game, which could be a key factor in their success this season.
• Rebounds Per Game: Harding holds a slight advantage in this category with 33.5 rebounds per game, compared to The Rock’s 23.1. This could be due to Harding’s stronger post play, which could help in a more physical matchup.
• Assists and Steals: The Rock leads in assists (8.4 per game) and steals (8.1 per game), outpacing Harding in both categories (12.5 and 11.4, respectively).
• Blocks Per Game: Both teams have similar block averages, with The Rock at 3.0 and Harding at 4.3, but this might not be as significant a factor in determining the outcome of a game.

Record Breakdown

• Head-to-Head: With no head-to-head games yet played this season, it’s difficult to predict how these teams will match up on the court.
• Home and Away Games: The Rock has shown strong performances at home, which contrasts with Harding’s struggles on the road. Harding’s 1-1 home record and 0-3 away record highlight their inconsistency when playing away from home, while The Rock is undefeated on their home court.

Conclusion

The 2024-2025 season has been a tale of two teams at different points in their development. Harding University has yet to find their rhythm and will need to improve across the board, particularly in scoring and defense, if they are to have a successful season. In contrast, The Rock has demonstrated consistent dominance in their district, with strong individual performances and a balanced team approach. For Harding, the challenge will be to capitalize on their strengths and overcome their struggles on the road, while The Rock looks set to continue their successful campaign as they aim to maintain their undefeated district record.