The Dawson-Bryant varsity basketball team (Coal Grove, OH) will play a home non-conference game against Tolsia (Fort Gay, WV) today at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Tolsia vs Dawson-Bryant
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Tolsia vs Dawson-Bryant

The Tolsia Varsity Basketball team (Fort Gay, WV) will face off against Dawson-Bryant (Coal Grove, OH) in a highly anticipated non-conference game tonight at 7 p.m. at Dawson-Bryant. As both teams look to build on their seasons, this game promises to showcase some interesting team dynamics and individual performances.

Tolsia’s Struggles and Strengths

Tolsia has had a difficult season so far, with an overall record of 1-8, which includes a 1-3 record in their region. The team has struggled with consistency, especially on the road, where they have gone 0-4 in away games and 0-1 in neutral-site contests. Despite these challenges, Tolsia has put up a competitive 54.4 points per game on average. Their highest scoring quarter tends to be the fourth, where they average 18.3 points, showcasing their ability to make a push in the final minutes of a game.

Dawson-Bryant’s Stronger Start

Dawson-Bryant, by contrast, has had a slightly stronger start to the season with a 4-5 overall record and a 1-4 record in their conference. However, they have been significantly more successful at home, with a 3-3 record. The team averages 59.6 points per game, slightly ahead of Tolsia, and has been fairly balanced throughout the game, with their scoring highest in the first and third quarters. Dawson-Bryant’s offensive play is spearheaded by Owen Johnson, who leads the team with an impressive 30 points per game, a stat that far exceeds Tolsia’s Bray Mollette, who averages 9.4 points per game.

Team Leaders: Key Players to Watch

For Tolsia, Bray Mollette has been the standout player, contributing a significant 9.4 points per game, while CJ Waller leads in rebounds with 7.7 per game. Evan Ball also has a notable presence, contributing 2.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game, and Brady Smith’s 1.6 blocks per game makes him an important defensive player for Tolsia.

Dawson-Bryant’s main contributor is Owen Johnson, who is clearly the team’s focal point, scoring 30.0 points per game. Johnson’s offensive production will be a key element in his team’s success. Alongside him, the team’s scoring depth has been strong, with other contributors helping spread the load across the game.

Previous Matchups: A Close Call for Tolsia

Tolsia recently faced Grace Christian on January 3, 2025, but fell short in a close battle, losing 73-69. Dawson-Bryant, however, had a much more dominant performance earlier this season, defeating Grace Christian 76-49 on December 3, 2024. These games illustrate the difference in the teams’ early season performances.

Looking Ahead: A Crucial Showdown

Tonight’s game will be an important one for both teams, as they look to fine-tune their play and gain momentum for the remainder of the season. Tolsia will be eager to turn their season around, while Dawson-Bryant will be looking to continue their solid play at home. The teams will meet again on February 15, 2025, at Tolsia, providing another opportunity to further test each other’s strengths.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When comparing the two teams’ performances across several categories, Dawson-Bryant’s offensive advantage is evident, averaging almost five more points per game than Tolsia. However, Tolsia has managed to keep their games competitive despite the odds, and if they can improve their defense and ball control, they could present a challenge to Dawson-Bryant’s offense. Dawson-Bryant, with their strong home court advantage, will look to capitalize on their superior record and scoring consistency.

Final Thoughts

The Tolsia vs. Dawson-Bryant basketball game will be a crucial test for both teams. Tolsia hopes to upset the home team with a late-game surge, while Dawson-Bryant looks to maintain its balanced attack, led by Johnson. With both teams gearing up for important matchups, this game will provide insight into their season trajectories. Fans can expect an exciting game as these two teams continue to battle through their seasons.