The Thornridge (Dolton, IL) varsity basketball team will host a conference game against Rich Township (Olympia Fields, IL) on Friday, January 31, at 6:30 p.m.
Thornridge vs Rich Township Game Info:
What: Illinois High School Basketball
Who: Thornridge (IL) vs Rich Township (IL)
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Thornridge vs Rich Township
The upcoming basketball matchup between Rich Township and Thornridge on January 31 promises to be another exciting chapter in their ongoing rivalry. With both teams coming off starkly different seasons, the stakes are high as Rich Township looks to extend its dominance, while Thornridge aims to bounce back from a challenging campaign.
Rich Township’s Strong Record
Rich Township has had a remarkable season, with a 14-6 overall record and a perfect 5-0 conference performance. They have been impressive at home (5-2) and undefeated on the road (4-0), showcasing their ability to perform both in familiar surroundings and away from home. Their scoring average of 67.7 points per game reflects a balanced, high-scoring offense, with the team excelling in all four quarters. The team has been a powerhouse, led by senior Al Brooks, who contributes 17.1 points per game, 9.4 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks, making him a versatile and dominant force on the court.
Rich Township’s defense is also noteworthy, allowing only 1,129 points this season, showcasing their ability to limit opponent scoring. Their ability to outperform teams across multiple facets of the game has made them the team to beat in the conference.
Thornridge Struggling to Find Consistency
On the other hand, Thornridge has struggled this season, with a 4-14 overall record and a dismal 0-7 in conference play. Despite being competitive in some matchups, Thornridge has faced difficulties, particularly in their away games, where they have yet to secure a victory. Their offense has been less productive, averaging just 55.2 points per game, and they have been struggling to keep pace with stronger teams. In their recent 79-25 loss to Rich Township, Thornridge’s inability to compete in all four quarters was evident, with the team scoring just 25 points across the entire game.
While the team’s top scorer has yet to emerge in a consistent manner, Thornridge will need to find a way to step up if they hope to turn their season around. They have yet to win a conference game this season, and their record against common opponents (0-6) only adds to the concern.
Head-to-Head: Rich Township Dominates
The most recent game between the two teams, held on January 7, saw Rich Township cruise to a dominant 79-25 victory. This game further cemented Rich Township’s place as a conference powerhouse, while Thornridge was left looking for answers. Rich Township’s balance of scoring and defense, paired with their ability to control the game, was evident in the lopsided result.
What to Expect
Looking ahead to the January 31 matchup, Rich Township will enter as heavy favorites, boasting a 4-0 record against common opponents, while Thornridge has failed to secure a win in such games. For Thornridge, this game represents a chance to salvage some pride and show improvement, particularly after their earlier loss to Rich Township.
Rich Township will continue to rely on their standout players, especially Al Brooks, to maintain their winning streak. However, if Thornridge can find a way to disrupt Rich Township’s rhythm and capitalize on mistakes, they may be able to make this game more competitive than anticipated.
Conclusion
With Rich Township in the midst of an impressive season and Thornridge struggling to find their footing, the upcoming game on January 31 seems to favor the home team, Rich Township. However, in basketball, anything can happen, and Thornridge will look to use the game as a turning point to spark their season. As always, fans can expect high-intensity basketball as the two rivals take the court once again.
