The Morgantown (WV) varsity basketball team will play a home non-conference game against University (Morgantown, WV) today at 7:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: West Virginia High School Basketball
Who: University vs Morgantown
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: University vs Morgantown
As the high school basketball season heats up in West Virginia, the University and Morgantown teams are emerging as two of the top contenders in the state. With a longstanding rivalry, these teams are consistently among the best in their class, and the upcoming games between them promise to showcase some of the finest talent in the state. Here’s a breakdown of their current performances, head-to-head records, and common opponents.
University High School Basketball: Dominating with a Stellar Record
The University High School basketball team has been on fire this season, posting an 8-1 overall record with a dominating win percentage of .889. Their performance has been impressive across the board, with a perfect record of 4-0 in neutral-site games, 3-0 on the road, and a 1-1 performance at home.
The team’s scoring has been a key factor in their success. Averaging 68.9 points per game, University has been especially strong in the first half, with 21 points per game in the first quarter and 18 points in the second. Their scoring drops slightly in the third (16.5) and fourth (16.0) quarters, but they maintain a strong pace throughout. Their defensive capabilities have been solid, with only 456 points allowed so far this season.
Morgantown High School Basketball: A Competitive Force
Morgantown’s varsity basketball team has also performed well this season, with a 5-1 record. Their win percentage stands at .833, a mark of consistency and resilience. The team’s defense has been their strong suit, holding opponents to just 246 points across six games.
Their scoring averages are slightly lower than University’s, but they still put up a solid 67.2 points per game. The team has been most successful in the second and third quarters, averaging 12 points per quarter in those periods. Like University, Morgantown has been dominant at home with a 3-1 record, but their away games have been just as impressive, with a 2-0 record on the road.
The Head-to-Head Rivalry
One of the most anticipated matchups of the season is the head-to-head games between University and Morgantown. The first of these games will take place today at 7:30 PM, with University traveling to Morgantown for a non-conference showdown. The second meeting is set for February 4, when Morgantown will visit University for another highly anticipated clash.
While the game is sure to be competitive, the two teams have already faced off against some of the same opponents this season, which provides valuable insight into their capabilities.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced common opponents with varying results. University has gone 2-1 against teams such as Washington, Huntington, and Wheeling Park, while Morgantown holds a perfect 2-0 record against these same schools. For example, University lost to Washington (64-49) while Morgantown defeated them decisively (67-38). However, University managed to edge out Huntington (83-80), while Morgantown won their matchup with the same team (67-38).
Looking ahead, both teams will continue to face familiar foes as they march through the season. University has upcoming games against Wheeling Park, Preston, and Parkersburg South, while Morgantown will face off against Preston, Buckhannon-Upshur, and Martinsburg.
Team Strengths and Areas of Focus
University’s strength lies in its balanced scoring across all four quarters, especially in the first half, which gives them a strong start in most games. Their high points-per-game average shows they have offensive firepower. However, they will need to tighten their defense to maintain consistency in tougher matchups.
Morgantown’s standout feature is its defense, allowing just 246 points through six games. Their offense is slightly slower to develop, but they have been effective in capitalizing on second and third-quarter opportunities. Morgantown will need to focus on consistency in their scoring, particularly in the first and fourth quarters, to match the explosive offense of teams like University.
What’s Next?
The University and Morgantown rivalry continues to captivate fans across the state of West Virginia. Both teams have their eyes on the postseason, with University looking to maintain their dominance and Morgantown aiming to prove their ability to compete at the highest level.
As the season progresses, these two teams will continue to meet on the court, each one vying for supremacy in one of the state’s most exciting high school basketball rivalries. The upcoming games between them will not only decide bragging rights but will also have a significant impact on the standings as both teams look to secure a spot in the playoffs.
The West Virginia high school basketball season is well underway, and all eyes are on these two powerhouse teams. Will University maintain their undefeated run, or will Morgantown rise to the challenge and claim victory? Fans will have to stay tuned to find out.