The Smyrna (TN) varsity basketball team is set to face Union County (Morganfield, KY) in a neutral tournament game on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to Basketball know:

What: Tennessee High School Basketball
Who: Union County vs Smyrna
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Union County vs. Smyrna: A Head-to-Head Comparison for the 2024-25 Season

As we approach the final stretch of the 2024-25 basketball season, two teams are catching the eyes of fans and analysts alike: Union County (KY) and Smyrna (TN). Both teams have made an impact in their respective conferences, with each boasting solid performances and notable individual talents. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at both teams’ rankings, records, key statistics, and more.

Team Rankings and Records

Union County (KY)

• Overall Record: 2-3
• Home Record: 0-2
• Away Record: 2-1
• Winning Percentage: .400
• Points For (PF): 331
• Points Against (PA): 256

Union County has had a mixed start to the season, with a 2-3 overall record. The team has struggled at home, losing both games, but they’ve shown resilience on the road, winning two of three away games. Their scoring average stands at 66.2 points per game, which is respectable given the competition they’ve faced.

Smyrna (TN)

• Overall Record: 6-3
• Home Record: 4-2
• Away Record: 1-0
• Neutral Record: 1-1
• Winning Percentage: .667
• Points For (PF): 570
• Points Against (PA): 526

Smyrna has performed well this season with a 6-3 overall record, posting a winning percentage of .667. The team has been solid at home with a 4-2 record and remains unbeaten on the road (1-0). With an average of 63.3 points per game, Smyrna’s offense has been consistently productive, but they’ll need to tighten up defensively after allowing 526 points this season.

Team Scoring Averages

A closer look at the teams’ scoring breakdowns shows notable differences in their approach to the game.

• Union County: The team has averaged 25 points in each quarter, maintaining consistency throughout the game. This steady scoring pace has helped them average 66.2 points per game, which is solid but not extraordinary.
• Smyrna: Smyrna’s scoring is more balanced across quarters but slightly lower overall, with an average of 63.3 points per game. They score 17 points in the first quarter, 16 in the second, and 17.9 in the third, showing they are capable of a strong finish.

Team Stat Comparison

A head-to-head comparison of key statistical categories highlights the strengths of both teams:

Both teams are closely matched in several categories, with Union County slightly edging Smyrna in points per game and steals. However, Smyrna leads in assists per game and is slightly more efficient with its rebounding.

Key Players to Watch

Union County

• Elliyon Kinzer: Averaging 15.1 points per game, Kinzer has been the scoring leader for Union County. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively (2 steals per game) makes him a dual threat on the court.
• Kaden Matthews: A strong presence in the paint, Matthews leads the team in rebounds (6.4 per game) and blocks (1 per game).

Smyrna

• Tyreque McCarver: With 3.9 assists per game, McCarver has been the primary playmaker for Smyrna. His ability to facilitate the offense makes him an essential part of the team’s success.
• Kaden Matthews (Smyrna’s Rebounding Leader): While not to be confused with Union County’s Matthews, Smyrna’s version of Kaden Matthews also leads his team in rebounds (6.4 per game) and is a critical player on both ends of the floor.

Record Breakdown by Category

The records of both teams are broken down by several categories, including in-state vs. out-of-state games, and head-to-head matchups.

• Union County:
  • 3-3 in non-league games
  • 0-0 in league play
  • 0-0 against common opponents
  • 1-2 at home
  • 2-1 away
  • 0-0 in neutral-site games
• Smyrna:
  • 6-3 overall, including 4-2 at home
  • 1-0 away and 1-1 in neutral-site games
  • 0-0 in league and common opponent games

While Union County has had a relatively even split in non-league games, Smyrna has performed better in both home and away games, establishing dominance in their fixtures this season.

Conclusion

The matchup between Union County and Smyrna promises to be a competitive contest, as both teams bring unique strengths to the table. Union County’s balance of scoring and defensive intensity, led by Elliyon Kinzer and Kaden Matthews, will challenge Smyrna’s potent offense and solid playmaking, especially through Tyreque McCarver.

Smyrna’s overall consistency and solid winning record give them a slight edge, but Union County’s potential for strong performances, particularly on the road, could make this game an exciting one. With key players on both sides, fans can expect a hard-fought battle, no matter where the game takes place.