The East Hardy varsity basketball team (Baker, WV) will host Tucker County (Hambleton, WV) in a home conference game today at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Tucker County vs East Hardy
When: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Tucker County vs East Hardy

West Virginia high school basketball is heating up as Tucker County and East Hardy are set to face off once again in a conference rivalry that has captured attention this season. Both teams are showing strong performances in their respective leagues, with Tucker County leading the charge with an undefeated record and East Hardy proving their resilience. Here’s a closer look at their recent performances, team stats, and what to expect in their upcoming matchups.

Tucker County (8-0, 3-0 Region)

Tucker County’s varsity basketball team has been on fire this season, maintaining an undefeated record with a perfect 8-0 standing. The team has demonstrated excellent depth and offensive power, with an impressive scoring average of 71.4 points per game. Their defense has been equally solid, allowing only 399 points across eight games. The team’s ability to perform across different settings has been one of their standout features, posting a flawless 5-0 record in non-league games and 3-0 in the region.

Key player Trevan Bonner has been central to the team’s success, averaging 19.3 points per game. Garrett Wilfong has also been instrumental, contributing 10.6 rebounds per game and an outstanding 3.5 steals per game, adding to the team’s defensive edge.

East Hardy (4-3, 4-1 Region)

East Hardy has faced its challenges this season but remains competitive with a solid 4-3 overall record and a 4-1 mark in their region. The team has shown its strength, particularly in region games, where they boast an 80% winning rate. However, they’ve struggled a bit in non-league matchups, with a 1-2 record. East Hardy has a strong offense as well, averaging 65.3 points per game, though they will need to improve their defense in upcoming games to keep up with high-scoring teams like Tucker County.

Although the team hasn’t had a standout individual scorer like Tucker County’s Bonner, they have maintained balance in scoring and rebounding. Garrett Wilfong leads the team with 3.5 steals per game, providing a crucial defensive presence alongside his 2.8 blocks per game.

Head-to-Head: Tucker County Dominates

The rivalry between these two teams has seen Tucker County take the upper hand recently. In their last meeting on December 30th, 2024, Tucker County secured a convincing 59-40 victory over East Hardy. This win has added to Tucker County’s unbeaten streak and solidified their dominance in the league. In the game, Tucker County showcased their balanced offense and defensive strength, while East Hardy struggled to keep pace.

The upcoming matchup on January 10th, 2025, will be an exciting opportunity for East Hardy to redeem themselves on their home court. The game will likely focus on East Hardy trying to contain Tucker County’s high-powered offense while finding ways to boost their own scoring to challenge the undefeated squad.

Team Comparisons

• Scoring Average: Tucker County leads with an impressive 71.4 points per game, while East Hardy averages 65.3.
• Rebounding: Tucker County holds the edge in rebounds with 29.8 per game compared to East Hardy’s 19.
• Assists: Tucker County again leads with 15.5 assists per game, showing their strong ball movement and team play.

Key Players to Watch

• Tucker County: Trevan Bonner (19.3 PPG), Garrett Wilfong (10.6 RPG, 3.5 SPG)
• East Hardy: While individual statistics are not as dominant, players like Wilfong, with his all-around contributions, will be crucial in both defense and offense.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a number of common opponents this season. Notably, Tucker County defeated Pendleton County and Tygarts Valley by comfortable margins, while East Hardy won against Pendleton County and will look to improve on their matchup with Tygarts Valley later this season.

Looking Ahead

The game on January 10th, 2025, between these two teams will be one to watch, as East Hardy will try to rebound from their loss to Tucker County. With Tucker County’s undefeated run and East Hardy’s strong regional record, this matchup could be a turning point for the season. Fans can expect a high-energy game with plenty of scoring, fast breaks, and tight defense.

As the season progresses, both teams are positioning themselves for successful playoff runs, and this rivalry will certainly continue to be one of the highlights of West Virginia high school basketball.