The Rock (Gainesville, FL) varsity basketball team will host Newberry (FL) in a non-conference home game on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

Matchup Details:

• Newberry vs. The Rock Basketball Game
• Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Location: The Rock (Gainesville, FL)

Basketball Showdown: Newberry vs. The Rock – A Clash of Two Powerhouses

As the Florida high school basketball season heats up, the rivalry between Newberry and The Rock is making waves. These two teams, each with a unique mix of talent and determination, have already delivered some thrilling moments this year. Let’s dive into their impressive records, stats, and key matchups to watch as they gear up for their next showdown.

Newberry: Dominant and Unbeaten

Newberry has established itself as a powerhouse this season, with an undefeated overall record of 13-0. The team has been nearly flawless in all aspects of the game, boasting a perfect 1.000 win percentage both overall and within their district. They’ve achieved stellar success across all venues, with a remarkable 4-0 record at home, 7-0 away, and 2-0 in neutral site games.

• Team Stats:
  • Points Per Game: 68.9
  • Rebounds Per Game: 12.5
  • Assists Per Game: 4.5
  • Steals Per Game: 4.4
  • Blocks Per Game: 1.6

Leading the way for Newberry is Zaire Colbert, whose 14.7 points per game tops the team, along with 2.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Hendrix Loughridge contributes strongly with 7.3 rebounds per game and 1.3 blocks per game.

The Rock: Resilient and Competitive

The Rock, with a record of 11-5, has had its ups and downs, but their performance in district games has been exceptional. With a 5-0 record in the district, they’ve shown they can compete at a high level when it matters most. Their overall win percentage stands at .688, reflecting their ability to rise to the occasion even in the face of tough non-district challenges. The team’s home record is 5-0, while they’ve struggled somewhat away, with a 3-4 mark.

• Team Stats:
  • Points Per Game: 67.6
  • Rebounds Per Game: 12.5
  • Assists Per Game: 4.5
  • Steals Per Game: 4.4
  • Blocks Per Game: 1.6

For The Rock, the leadership of players like Hendrix Loughridge (7.3 rebounds per game) and Colbert’s counterpart, Zaire Colbert, with 1.8 steals per game, has been vital. The team’s strength lies in its consistency in key areas like assists and defense, even if they’ve struggled at times against tougher opponents.

Head-to-Head: Newberry’s Recent Victory

In their most recent matchup, Newberry triumphed over The Rock in an away non-conference game on December 16, 2024, with a dominant 78-63 victory. The game was a display of offensive firepower from Newberry, outscoring The Rock in all four quarters. As Newberry continues its undefeated run, they’ll look to further solidify their dominance when they meet The Rock again in Gainesville on January 17, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

Key Players to Watch

• Newberry: Zaire Colbert has been a standout for Newberry, leading the team in points and steals. His ability to drive the offense and shut down opposing plays has been essential to the team’s success. Hendrix Loughridge’s rebounding and shot-blocking abilities also provide crucial support.
• The Rock: Loughridge has been a key rebounder and shot-blocker for The Rock. His presence inside, combined with the scoring ability of his teammates, makes The Rock a dangerous opponent in any matchup.

Common Opponents: A Mixed Bag

Both teams have faced off against several common opponents this season. Newberry has been undefeated against teams like Santa Fe, Trenton, and P.K. Yonge, while The Rock has been more inconsistent with a 1-1 record against those same teams. Notably, both teams have a win over Trenton, but Newberry defeated Santa Fe 56-49, whereas The Rock came up short with a 54-50 loss to the same opponent.

The Road Ahead

As both teams continue to prepare for their upcoming battle, all eyes will be on their performance against each other and their other district rivals. With Newberry boasting a perfect district record, The Rock will have to dig deep to overcome their rivals and bounce back from their previous loss. Their performance on January 17 will set the tone for the remainder of the season and could have lasting implications for district standings.

Conclusion

This matchup between Newberry and The Rock promises to be another exciting chapter in Florida high school basketball. With Newberry’s perfect record and The Rock’s determination to make a statement, basketball fans are in for a treat. As the season progresses, both teams will continue to sharpen their skills, but for now, the focus is squarely on their next meeting, where the stakes are high, and the excitement is bound to be even higher.