The Hopewell (VA) varsity basketball team will host a conference game against Thomas Dale (Chester, VA) on Friday, February 14, at 7:15 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Thomas Dale vs Hopewell
When: Friday, February 14, 2025
Time: 7:15. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Thomas Dale vs Hopewell

The Virginia high school basketball season has been nothing short of thrilling, and two teams in particular, Thomas Dale and Hopewell, have been making waves in their respective regions. With strong performances throughout the season, both teams have positioned themselves as serious contenders. As we dive into their current records, statistics, and recent matchups, it’s clear that these two teams have been delivering exciting basketball.

Team Records and Performance

• Thomas Dale (24-25): With an overall record of 12-6, Thomas Dale has shown strong form throughout the season, boasting a 7-4 record on the road and a 5-2 record at home. Their region record stands at 8-3, providing a solid foundation in their conference. Scoring an average of 62.2 points per game, Thomas Dale is led by standout player Delwan Waller, who contributes 13.2 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.

• Hopewell (24-25): On the other hand, Hopewell has been dominating the season with an impressive 17-2 record. They are undefeated in their region with a perfect 12-0 record, showing off a remarkable 71.6 points per game average. Hopewell has proven to be a powerhouse, particularly at home, where they remain unbeaten with a 10-0 record. Deshawn Spellman leads the team, averaging 18.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

Recent Matchup: Hopewell vs. Thomas Dale

The last time these two teams faced off, Hopewell came out on top with a 67-54 victory on January 17. This was a key conference matchup, where Hopewell’s offense continued to impress. Despite a strong effort from Thomas Dale, Hopewell’s depth and skill were evident, as they managed to pull away with the win. The game highlighted the differences in scoring efficiency, as Hopewell outpaced Thomas Dale with a final tally of 67 points compared to Thomas Dale’s 54.

Team Scoring and Play Style

• Thomas Dale has a balanced offensive approach, scoring an average of 62.2 points per game, with a notable increase in their scoring output during the second half of games. They tend to score 18.5 points each in the third and fourth quarters, showcasing their resilience as the game progresses.

• Hopewell, with an average of 71.6 points per game, has been particularly strong early in the game, posting 20.5 points in the first quarter alone. Their offensive consistency is impressive, as they maintain a solid performance through the second and third quarters as well, with 19.0 and 17.8 points per quarter, respectively.

Player Leaders and Key Contributions

For Thomas Dale, Delwan Waller is the player to watch. Waller not only leads the team in points and rebounds but also plays a pivotal role in the team’s defense, with 3.3 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. His all-around play has been crucial to Thomas Dale’s success this season.

On the other side, Hopewell’s Deshawn Spellman has been exceptional, averaging 18.4 points per game and contributing significantly on the boards with 5.8 rebounds. His scoring ability has been a consistent factor in Hopewell’s high-scoring games, making him a key player in any matchup.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When looking at common opponents, Hopewell’s dominance is clear. With a perfect 12-0 record against shared opponents, Hopewell has not only beaten teams like Petersburg, Prince George, and Colonial Heights but has done so in convincing fashion. Thomas Dale, while also performing well against common opponents with a 9-3 record, has had a couple of tough losses, particularly to teams like Meadowbrook and Highland Springs.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for These Teams?

As the season progresses, Thomas Dale faces more important conference matchups, including a critical away game at Hopewell on February 14, which will be pivotal in determining their playoff positioning. Hopewell, with its unbeaten region record, looks to maintain their momentum and finish the regular season strong as they head into postseason play.

With both teams playing at a high level, it’s clear that these two programs are among the best in the region. Whether it’s the high-scoring offense of Hopewell or the defensive prowess and rebounding strength of Thomas Dale, basketball fans are in for an exciting conclusion to the 2024-2025 season.